Update on the situation of several regulated pests in the USA
Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae - EPPO A1 List) is reported in a new state in the USA. The pest has been found for the first time in New Hampshire in the town of Salem (Rockingham County). A small number of adults were reported by experts and identification was confirmed by the USDA. There is currently no evidence of an established population and additional surveys are underway to determine the extent of the infestation (New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, 2026).
Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae, EPPO A1 List) is present in Texas and California. In September 2026, the quarantine area was removed from Hildalgo county (Texas). Currently the pest is present only in two areas in Texas (Webb county and Zapato county) and one area in California (San Diego County).
The pest status of Anastrepha ludens in the USA is officially declared as: Transient, pest under eradication.
Cydalima perspectalis(Lepidoptera: Crambidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was first found in the USA in 2021 (RS 2021/119). It is under official control in several states in the north-east part of the country. The pest was first detected in New Jersey in Cape May County in May 2026. A quarantine area has now been established there.
The pest status of Cydalima perspectalis in the USA is officially declared as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control.
Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae, EU Quarantine pest as Anastrepha spp.) is declared eradicated from the country. Three quarantine areas had been established in Texas in February and March 2026 and were removed in August 2026.
The pest status of Anastrepha serpentina in the USA is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated.
Sources
NAPPO Phytosanitary Alert System. Official Pest Reports
- USA (2026-03-19) Anastrepha serpentina (Sapote Fruit Fly): APHIS Establishes Quarantines in Texas. https://www.pestalerts.org/nappo/official-pest-reports/1192/
- USA (2026-08-18) Anastrepha serpentina (Sapote Fruit Fly): APHIS Removes Quarantine Areas in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, Texas. https://www.pestalerts.org/nappo/official-pest-reports/1206/
- USA (2026-08-25) Cydalima perspectalis (Box Tree Moth): APHIS Establishes Quarantine Areas in Maryland and Pennsylvania. https://www.pestalerts.org/nappo/official-pest-reports/1208/
- USA (2026-09-09) Anastrepha ludens (Mexican Fruit Fly): APHIS Removes the Quarantine Area in Hidalgo County, Texas. https://www.pestalerts.org/nappo/official-pest-reports/1210/
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food (2026) New Hampshire confirms spotted lanternfly detection. Press release (2026-08-25) Accessed at: https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-confirms-spotted-lanternfly-detection