Incursion of Popillia japonica in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of several findings of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae– EPPO A2 List) on its territory, as part of their official surveillance.
- Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region (central-eastern France)
On June 16th 2026, a single adult male was caught in a trap located at a motorway service area along the A36 motorway, between Montbéliard and Mulhouse, in the Doubs department which borders Switzerland. This detection constitutes the first finding of the pest in France in 2026 and the first record in the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté Region.
On July 7th, an adult was caught in a trap at a motorway service area in Côte-d'Or department.
·Grand Est region
On June 26th, a single adult beetle was caught in a trap in the urban area of Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin department). On July 1st, a second adult beetle was caught in a trap installed close to the initial detection site.
·Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region (south-eastern France)
On June 18th 2026, one male and one female were caught in a trap installed in an orchard located near a major transport route in the Alpes-Maritimes department. This detection is the first one in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and, more broadly, in southern France. As a precautionary measure, an insecticide treatment will be carried out in the orchard at the appropriate time of the year.
Early July, five adults were caught in a trap located near a golf course in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
All cases are considered as incursions. Reinforced surveillance measures have immediately been implemented. Awareness-raising activities are undertaken at national and local level to inform relevant stakeholders and the general public.
The pest status of Popillia japonica in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2026-06, 2026-07)