Citrus longhorn beetle (Anoplophora chinensis)

The citrus longhorn beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) is a serious invasive pest that is found in South East Asia. It is listed in the Plant Health Directive and a specific EC Decision is in place to minimise the risk of introductions and to control any findings. Citrus longhorn beetles can infest a very wide range of broadleaved trees and would be a major threat to horticulture and the wider environment if they became established. The larvae feed undetected on the inside of trees leaving them weakened and susceptible to further pest and disease damage. Most of the citrus longhorn beetles that have been found to date in the UK have been associated with Japanese maple trees imported from China.

In 2008 citrus longhorn beetles were found in private gardens in the UK as well as on a nursery in Guernsey. The findings were on maple trees (Acer palmatum) imported from China via The Netherlands in January 2008 and distributed by mail order.

There have been further findings in 2009. Two citrus longhorn beetles have been caught emerging from maple trees in private gardens. Both findings were on trees purchased over the last three years and were reported by members of the public to Fera's Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI). Due to the serious nature of these findings, Defra is asking that members of the public look out for this beetle, which may emerge from infested plants that have been distributed.