Update on the situation of Pseudips mexicanus in Ireland
In Ireland, Pseudips mexicanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae – EPPO Alert List) was first found in traps in August 2023 in Shannon municipality, Clare country, Mid-West region (EPPO RS 2020/004). In April 2024 the pest was found again in the demarcated area in Clare county and for the first time in Limerick county, resulting in the expansion of the demarcated area (RS 2024/119).
In 2025, approximately 200 P. mexicanus beetles were found during surveillance activities. Most beetles were found in pheromone traps within the demarcated area. 8 adults and 2 suspect pupae were found in one dead Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)* and a single adult beetle was found in one dead lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), both within the demarcated area. A further nine beetles were found in four locations outside the demarcated area in traps in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary counties. Follow-up surveillance near traps outside of the demarcated area found no evidence of a local population of P. mexicanus, therefore the demarcated area was not extended. No evidence of damage from P. mexicanus or infested plants was observed during the 2025 surveillance.
The official pest status of Pseudips mexicanus in Ireland has not yet been determined.
* This is the first record of P. sylvestris as a host of the pest. However, it is noted that the tree was damaged before being infested and its death did not result from the pest infestation.
Sources
NPPO of Ireland (2025-11).
A map of the demarcated area is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/monterey-pine-engraver-pseudips-mexicanus-discovered-in-co-clare/