North Essex: garden worry over beetle invader

9:30am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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ENVIRONMENT bosses are warning people to be on their guard following the invasion of a destructive Asian beetle.

The invasive citrus longhorn beetle, which could harm woodland areas and garden plants, has recently been discovered in Essex.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is calling on anyone who spots one of the distinctive beetles to isolate it and contact them.

It is thought the insect might have been brought into the county on imported maple sapling.

A spokesman for Defra said: “The citrus longhorn beetle is a damaging quarantine pest of a range of trees and shrubs.

“The natural range of the beetle includes China, Japan and other countries in south-east Asia.

“If you see one of these distinctive beetles, please isolate it in a sealed container and contact your local plant health and seeds inspector.

“Citrus longhorn beetles develop inside plant stems and tree trunks, taking between one and three years to emerge, and are therefore difficult to detect.”

After they emerge from a tree they leave exit holes up to 11mm diameter.

The large black beetles, which can grow to between 21-37mm in length, have distinctive white markings and long antennae.

Defra said a current infestation in Lombardia, Italy, had led to the destruction of hundreds of mature trees in an attempt to eradicate the beetles.

Although a case has been reported in Romford, Leon Woodrow, Tendring Council’s nature warden, said he had not yet had any reports of the insects in Tendring.

Anyone who does spot one of the distinctive beetles should call 01245 490886.