Invasive Xylotrechus hircus - A New Beetle Species Tries to Sample Our Forests and Landscapes

Inage: copyright © Purdue University

     Two Xylotrechus hircus, longhorned beetles, were discovered in a shipping container of magnesium desulphurization reagent in Philadelphia by agricultural inspectors on April 28th, 2011. These were the first ever reported interdiction of this potentially damaging, harmful invasive species in Philadelphia as well as the United States as a whole according to Steve Sapp with the CBP Public Affairs office. Invasive species like these are most effectively handle by early detection and rapid responses such as those administered by USDA APHIS PPQ and US CPB.

    Why do we care about two beetles? The economic and environmental damage that can come from newly introduced species can overwhelm any cost effective response once the species is established. The emerald ash borer is a prime example of what can go wrong and the extent of the damage when there is no early detection and no response.[1]

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection notes that the "invasive species Xylotrechus hircus is an invasive, wood–boring insect pest from the Cerambycidae family of destructive longhorned beetles indigenous to Asia. Longhorned beetles pose a serious threat to American agriculture, to national forests and to the timber industry. CBP issued an Emergency Action Notification and ordered the importers to re-export the container of desulphurization reagent in which the longhorned beetles were discovered. That container was shipped from China."


 
[1] Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Don't Move Firewood; Save America's Trees http://www.emeraldashborer.info/