The Plant Health Department has raised the alarm over a damaging quarantine pest in a bid to stop its introduction to Malta.
The Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora cinensis) is a pest of a range of trees and shrubs. Although this insect is not present in Malta, the Plant Health Department is monitoring for any symptoms of this beetle, so that this insect is not introduced in Malta, or if accidentally introduced, necessary action would be taken immediately.
This pest is most likely to be seen in July and August, but interceptions have occurred as early as May and as late as October.
The natural range of the beetle includes China, Japan and other countries in South East Asia. But these beetles have been moving around the world on ornamental trees imported from Asia. They are a threat to horticulture, forestry and also to citrus production in the Mediterranean. Worth mentioning is the outbreak of the beetle that occurred in Lombardia, Italy. Eradication measures have included the destruction of hundreds of mature trees.
Adults of the Citrus Longhorned beetle are large (21–37 mm long) and black with variable white markings. Their antennae are longer than their bodies and are black with white/light blue bands. These beetles spend most of their life (ranging from one to two years, in Asia), as larvae inside a trunk or root, and hence there can be little or no sign of their presence to anyone inspecting a host tree.
The most obvious symptoms of the damage caused by these insects are adult exit holes which are typically 6–11 mm in diameter and are generally found towards the base of trunks.
The Plant Health Department encourages the general public to immediately report any suspect of the presence of this pest and its symptoms. Further details on the biology and symptoms of this insect can be found on the Plant Health Department’s website on www.planthealth.gov.mt. Any suspects should be reported on 25904312 or 23397222/3.
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