First report of Xyleborus ferrugineus and Euwallacea similis in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of two bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, EU quarantine pests as ‘non-European Scolytinae’) on its territory: Xyleborus ferrugineus and Euwallacea similis.
In June 2026, one adult X. ferrugineus was caught in a pheromone trap set as part of the official surveys for Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, EU Quarantine pest 2019/2072 Annex II A) in a recently built tropical greenhouse that is open to visitors in Brugelette municipality (Hainaut province, Région wallone). The pest was identified by morphological testing. Surveillance is ongoing in the greenhouse and within a 300m buffer zone around the greenhouse. The NPPO of Belgium reports that a significant number of plants, from both non-EU countries and EU Member States, had been introduced into the greenhouse in winter 2025-2026, including 168 known host plants of X. ferrugineus.
As a result of the inspections conducted in the greenhouse, another bark beetle was found in early July 2026: 29 adult Euwallacea similis were detected in three symptomatic Delonix regia plants.
Phytosanitary measures have been implemented against the two pests, including measures to prevent pest escape from the greenhouse, destruction of symptomatic plants and disinfection of used tools to prevent spread of pathogens that could be associated with the pests. The entire greenhouse (4 ha) is considered as an infested area, and a 300 m buffer zone was established around it.
The pest status of Xyleborus ferrugineus in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned (in a greenhouse).
The pest status of Euwallacea similis in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown (in a greenhouse).
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2026-06, 2026-07).