April 15, 2010
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency have asked for the industry’s help to be on the look-out for the possible presence of citrus longhorned  beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) a close relative of the Asian longhorned beetle (A. glabripennis). Although the citrus longhorned beetle has not yet been found in Canada, there have been recent finds in Europe, where it has believed to have been spread through movement of nursery stock.

In its native range in Asia, the beetle, is a major pest of citrus species, but it also attacks and damages many other deciduous trees. Host plants include over 68 species belonging to 19 families, including several economically important fruit, forest and ornamental plant species.

The citrus longhorned beetle is related to and closely resembles the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). It has been introduced on more than one occasion into Europe (France, Netherlands, Lithuania, Italy, Croatia, and Germany) and once into the U.S., in nursery stock. In all cases, it is undergoing, or has undergone, eradication.

The genus Anoplophora spp. are currently on the list of pests regulated by Canada. To date, there have been no finds of the citrus longhorned beetle in Canada. Young adults emerge from infested trees beginning in May through to August, and are capable of flying several hundred metres to search for a host.

Contact Francesco Pacelli at fpacelli@landscapeontario.com.

 

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