First report of Xyleborus bispinatus and update on the situation of Euwallacea similis in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of the ambrosia beetle Xyleborus bispinatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, EU quarantine pest as ‘non-European Scolytinae’) on its territory and provided additional information on the recent finding of Euwallacea similis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae EU, Quarantine pest 2019/2072 Annex II A) from July 2026 (EPPO RS 2026/165).
Following the detection of Xyleborus ferrugineus and E. similis in a recently built tropical greenhouse in Brugelette municipality (Hainaut province, Région wallone) in June and early July 2026 (EPPO RS 2026/165), surveillance carried on with traps and inspections to detect symptomatic plants within the greenhouse and a network of 78 traps in a 300 m buffer zone established around it. As a result, 11 adults of X. bispinatus were caught in traps inside the greenhouse and a further 10 adults were caught in traps in the buffer zone in July 2026. So far, X. bispinatus has only been caught in traps and not detected in plants. The pest was identified by morphological testing. As a significant number of plants were introduced into the greenhouse when it was established in the 2025-2026 winter period, the NPPO considers that a more widespread presence at the site cannot be excluded.
Traps in August 2026 caught 10 adult E. similis in the buffer zone and 5 adults inside the greenhouse. Visual inspections in August 2026 on symptomatic plant material resulted in the identification of 15 adult of E. similis on Delonix regia trees. Two wood samples showing entry and exit holes were sent for laboratory analysis to determine the possible presence of any associated fungal pathogens.
Phytosanitary measures continue to be implemented against all three pests at the site, including destruction and removal of symptomatic or infested plants and measures to prevent pest escape from the greenhouse.
The pest status of Xyleborus bispinatus in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown, under eradication.
The pest status of Euwallacea similis in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2026-08).