- Increased Discovery of Japanese Beetles in Bavaria
After the initial reported sighting of a Japanese beetle in Bavaria in August's beginning, two additional male specimens have surfaced. These buggers were found in traps established by the Bavarian State Institute of Agriculture (LfL) around Kiefersfelden and Lindau, as reported by the institute themselves.
The Japanese beetle, roughly one centimeter long, is a notifiable species that poses a threat to both ornamental and crop plants. Adult beetles indulge in green plant parts and fruits, while larvae mostly feed on grass roots. The Japanese beetle can substantially harm various field crops, forest trees, orchards, vineyards, and private gardens, as well as ornamental plants.
The first detected beetle was found near Lindau.
In response to the recent discovery, LfL has increased surveillance in these border areas with additional traps and also alerted the Austrian plant protection service.
As per LfL experts, the three Japanese beetles discovered in Bavaria likely hitchhiked their way to Germany via transport vehicles from northern Italy or Switzerland, as all discovery sites are close to motorways.
All three male beetles captured in Bavaria were nabbed in one of the 53 traps set up in risk areas across the state. These traps are lured with specific attractants and will continue to stay for another 4 to 6 weeks, being checked every week. "Should no more beetles be found, there's a justified optimism that the captures do not represent a population already settled in Bavaria," reported LfL.
Notification: Distinctive features of the Japanese beetle.
The discovery of additional Japanese beetles in Bavaria suggests the presence of an other unfamiliar pest in the region. The LfL has mentioned that these new beetles might have originated from neighboring countries like Italy or Switzerland, indicating an other possible source of introduction.
