A New Alien Invasive Longhorn Beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis (Cerambycidae), Is Infesting Mulberries in Catalonia (Spain).

Víctor Sarto I Monteys,Glòria Torras I Tutusaus

doi:10.3390/insects9020052

Víctor Sarto I Monteys, Glòria Torras I Tutusaus

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/insects9020052

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Abstract

In this paper, the invasion of a new alien beetle species to Europe, the longhorn Xylotrechus chinensis (Chevrolat) (Cerambycidae), originating from East Asia, is revealed. It has settled in Catalonia (Spain), occupying at present an area of at least 44.1 km2, where it has been shown to severely infest (ca. 10 to 45%) and eventually kill mulberry trees in private and public grounds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate its impact and provide new significant insights into its life history, seasonality, reproductive capacity (females produce an average of 83.4 ± 9.02 eggs) and the type of damage produced to mulberries. Such damage was thoroughly described to facilitate inspection by others. At least in laboratory conditions, X. chinensis has not used common grape vines as an alternative hostplant. Both plants, mulberries and grape vines, are important in Catalonia and Spain, the former providing shade and ornament to many streets and avenues, and the latter having great economic significance in Mediterranean wine production areas. Possible control methods to hinder its spread are suggested and one local wasp, Stephanus serrator (Stephanidae), was identified as a likely parasitoid. We believe the risk of this beetle widely spreading in Europe is very real.

Highlights

Cerambycids or longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) play critical roles in nutrient cycling in forests since larval feeding initiates the breakdown of woody tissues while simultaneously creating access routes for wood-rotting fungi and other wood-boring agents [1]
X. chinensis reached Catalonia no later than 2012, since based on information provided by citizens keeping mulberry trees in their gardens, first sightings of the beetle took place in July 2013
When we first visited the area in October 2014, X. chinensis was already well established in the towns of Cerdanyola del Vallès, Badia del Vallès and Barberà del Vallès

Summary

Introduction

Cerambycids or longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) play critical roles in nutrient cycling in forests since larval feeding initiates the breakdown of woody tissues while simultaneously creating access routes for wood-rotting fungi and other wood-boring agents [1]. Their larvae prefer boring in stressed, dying, or recently-dead woody plants but might bore in mature, healthy trees if the other group is not available [2]. Host plant odours attract both sexes of many cerambycid species and, once on the host, males locate females and recognise them by the contact chemoreception of female-produced scents [3]. When introduced into new regions of the world, exotic invasive cerambycids have the potential to become devastating pests since there exists great difficulty and cost in detecting, controlling, or eradicating them from invaded regions [4]

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