First report of Trachymela sloanei in Algeria
The Australian tortoise beetle Trachymela sloanei (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO Alert List) is a eucalyptus leaf feeder originating from Australia that has been introduced in the EPPO region in Spain, Portugal and Greece (EPPO RS 2016/101, RS 2024/008).
During surveys conducted between May and August 2025, 20 adult T. sloanei beetles were recorded on Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees in a park in Sidi Amar, Annaba wilaya (northeastern Algeria). Foliar damage was observed on all seven E. camaldulensis trees in the park, suggesting T. sloanei may have established in the area. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological testing. This is the first report of T. sloanei in Algeria and the first report on the continent of Africa.
The situation of Trachymela sloanei in Algeria can be described as: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Hadiby R, Boukheroufa M, Vitali F, Sakraoui F, Frih A, Benhacene R, Benotmane KH, Adjami Y (2025) First report of the invasive Australian tortoise beetle Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn, 1897)(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Algeria. Zootaxa 5725(3), 438-444. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5725.3.7