Invasive Japanese Beetle Detected in Tyrol

The presence of the Japanese beetle, an invasive pest species, has now been confirmed in Tyrol, following its initial detection in Vorarlberg at the end of July. A specimen was found in a trap set by the plant protection service in Angath, located in the Kufstein district, in mid-September. Authorities have stated that this appears to be an isolated incident, with no current evidence suggesting a permanent establishment of the species in the area. However, additional traps will be deployed to monitor the situation closely.

The confirmation of the species, scientifically known as Popillia japonica, comes from Austria's national reference laboratory under the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). Originally from Japan, this beetle is subject to special control measures within the European Union due to its potential for significant damage. The beetle's feeding habits can harm a variety of cultivated and ornamental plants, as they consume leaves, flowers, and fruits. The larvae, known as grubs, can damage the roots of grass, corn, vegetables, and other crops, causing damage similar to that inflicted by the cockchafer or garden chafer.

As part of a nationwide monitoring program, pheromone traps have been set up along major transport routes in Tyrol. Although the Japanese beetle is capable of flight, it often travels long distances as a "stowaway" in vehicles or on plant material. Following the recent finding in Angath, the network of traps will be further expanded.

The first detection of this beetle in Austria occurred at the end of July when a resident in Hörbranz, located in the Bregenz district, discovered the pest in her private garden. The site of this initial finding is in close proximity to known populations in the neighboring town of Lindau, Bavaria. The Japanese beetle has already caused damage in Switzerland and Italy and has been found sporadically in Germany and Slovenia.

This beetle belongs to the scarab family and measures approximately ten millimeters in length and six millimeters in width. Its head and thorax are metallic green, while its wing covers are a coppery sheen. Notably, the beetle is characterized by distinctive white tufts of hair--five on the sides of its abdomen and two additional tufts on the last segment.

For those wishing to report sightings of the Japanese beetle, a reporting platform has been established to facilitate the collection of data regarding this invasive species.