Incursion of Popillia japonica in Croatia
The NPPO of Croatia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In October 2025, during surveillance activities for a scientific project, the Croatian Forest Institute reported the first finding of 1 adult P. japonica in a pheromone trap placed in a conservation area: Park Maksimir in Zagreb, Central Croatia region. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological identification in January 2026 by the national reference laboratory. Intensified surveillance is planned for the site in 2026. The source of the pest is unknown.
The official pest status of Popillia japonica in Croatia has not yet been determined.
Sources
NPPO of Croatia (2026-01).