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Xylotrechus chinensis

Tiger longicorn beetle

Description

Xylotrechus chinensis is an invasive longhorn beetle native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan). It has become established in parts of southern Europe, including Spain, France, and Greece. Larvae develop in the wood of living or recently pruned trees, especially Morus alba, but also occasionally apple, pear, and grapevine. Adults are active from June to August. The larvae tunnel through the heartwood, causing sap flow, bark splitting, branch dieback, and tree death. Infested trees often show numerous emergence holes. Due to its ability to attack apparently healthy trees, the species poses a serious threat to ornamental and urban trees, and it is monitored as a quarantine pest.

Symptom

Circular emergence holes (5–6 mm), sap exudation, bark cracks, frass deposits, and dieback of branches and whole trees.

Tree Species: Pear, Apple Tree, Mulberry, Grape

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes