Category Archives: Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Entomology: Insects, Mites & Earthworms

A-Rated, Coleoptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Slender-banded Pine Cone Longhorn Beetle | Chlorophorus strobilicola

June 21, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Chlorophorus strobilicola Champion: Slender-banded Pine Cone Longhorn Beetle

Coleoptera: Cerambycidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Chlorophorus strobilicola is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Chlorophorus strobilicola is an elongate beetle that measures 7.5-9.5 mm in length and is reddish-brown with white bands on the elytra (Champion, 1919; Jackson et al., 2010). This beetle lays eggs in living, green (second and third-year) cones of Pinus roxburghii in India (Singh et al., 2005). The larvae burrow into and feed on the internal portions of the cone (Duffy, 1953). This feeding damage results in loss of cone fertility and the cone can break off before it completes development (Champion, 1919). Up to 40 percent of cones can be infested (Beeson, 1941). The habitat of this beetle is described as pine forests at elevations of 3500-6500 feet above sea level; the climate in this area is apparently subtropical (Champion, 1919).

Worldwide Distribution: Chlorophorus strobilicola is only known to occur in Uttarakhand, India (Kariyanna et al., 2017).

Official Control: Chlorophorus strobilicola is a Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey priority pest (Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey, 2018). Interceptions of this beetle triggered a Federal recall of pine cones imported from India in 2003-2004 (North American Plant Protection Organization, 2004).

California Distribution: Chlorophorus strobilicola is not known to be present in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Chlorophorus strobilicola was intercepted on pine cones from India in Alameda and Fresno counties in 2003 and 2004 (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018). These interceptions were apparently a result of the Federal recall.

The risk Chlorophorus strobilicola would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The only known host plant of Chlorophorus strobilicola, Pinus roxburghii, may be grown in California, and it is possible that other species of pines present in this state could be utilized by this beetle as well. The native distribution in India of this beetle has a subtropical climate, and that climate might limit the potential distribution of this species in California. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Chlorophorus strobilicola is only known to feed on Pinus roxburghii. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Chlorophorus strobilicola is capable of flight. This beetle is also obviously capable of being dispersed through movement of pine cones, as proven by the interception of numerous specimens in the United States of pine cones from India. However, this may be an unlikely mode of dispersal within California (once this species is already present in the state). Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Pines are important timber trees in California. If Chlorophorus strobilicola became established in California, it could reduce the seed yield of pines, which might lower timber yield and impact the industry. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact: A

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: If Chlorophorus strobilicola became established in California, it could attack native pines, including some rare ones, including the threatened Santa Rosa Island torrey pine (Pinus torreyana insularis) (Calflora). Attacks on native pine trees could reduce natural regeneration of these species, which could disrupt natural communities. Pines dominate millions of acres in California, and thus any impact on pines in California could also impact plant and animal species in these ecosystems. Therefore, this beetle receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A, B

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Chlorophorus strobilicola: Medium (9)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Chlorophorus strobilicola is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (9)

Uncertainty:

There is significant uncertainty regarding the ability of Chlorophorus strobilicola to become established in California and the suitability of California pines as host plants. This beetle appears to be restricted to an area with a subtropical climate, and it is only reported to feed on one species of pine. This beetle could feed on additional species of pines (possibly including native California species) and could survive in at least one climate represented in California. Champion (1919) suggested that this beetle might only be able to attack injured cones, but evidence of this was not found in other literature.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Chlorophorus strobilicola is a beetle that attacks pine cones in India. If it can become established in California and attack pines in California, it would pose an economic and environmental threat to the state. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Beeson, C. F. C. 1941. The ecology and control of the forest insects of India and the neighboring countries. C.F.C. Beeson. Dehra Dun, India.

Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. Accessed March 6, 2018: http://www.calflora.org

CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database. 2018. Chlorophorus strobilicola. Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed April 6, 2018: http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

Champion, H. G. 1919. A cerambycid infesting pine cones from India, Chlorophorus strobilicola, n. sp. Entomologists’s Monthly Magazine 58:219-224.

Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey. 2018. Accessed February 28, 2018: https://caps.ceris.purdue.edu/pest-lists

Duffy, E. A. J. 1953. A monograph of the immature stages of British and imported timber beetles (Cerambycidae). British Museum, London.

Jackson, L., Price, T., Smith, G., Campbell, N., and Stiers, E. 2010. Exotic wood borer/bark beetle national survey guidelines. Accessed February 28, 2018: http://apollo.umenfa.maine.edu/SFR457_458_557/Documents/SFR458/EWB_BB%20Survey%20Manual%208_31_10.pdf

Kariyanna, B., Mohan, M., Gupta, R., and Vitali, F. 2017. The checklist of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from India. Zootaxa 4345:001-317.

North American Plant Protection Organization. 2004. Recall of various products containing pine cones from India. Accessed February 28, 2018: www.pestalert.org/oprDetail_print.cfm?oprid=99

Singh, S., Belokobylskij, S. A., Chauhan, N., and Pande, S. 2005. Description of a new species of the genus Spasskia Belokobylskij, 1989 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India, with first record of the genus in the Oriental region. Annales Zoologici (Warszawa) 55:95-98.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed March 6, 2018: http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/21/18 – 8/5/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

A Seed Bug | Ochrimnus mimulus (Stal)

June 21, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Ochrimnus mimulus (Stål): A Seed Bug

Hemiptera: Lygaeidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Ochrimnus mimulus is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Adult Ochrimnus mimulus measure 5-6 mm in length and are grayish or brownish with pale yellow margins on the forewings and the pronotum (Hoffman, 1996). This bug is found on and feeds on flowers of Asteraceae. Baccharis species appear to be the preferred host, but feeding and development can take place on other genera as well. Eggs are laid in the flowers, and the nymphs feed on these (Gould and Sweet, 2000; Palmer, 1986). Feeding on flowers reduces seed production by the host plant. Experiments have shown that this species will attack numerous genera of Asteraceae. This lack of host specificity made it inappropriate as a biological control organism for the introduced weed Baccharis halimifolia in Australia (Gould and Sweet, 2000).

Worldwide Distribution: Ochrimnus mimulus occurs in the eastern United States (from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas), Mexico, and Central America (Cancino and Blanco, 2002; Hoffman, 1996; Slater and Baranowski, 1990).

Official Control: Ochrimnus mimulus is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Ochrimnus mimulus is not known to occur in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Ochrimnus mimulus has been intercepted on rice, oranges, and bee colonies from Texas (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).

The risk Ochrimnus mimulus would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Ochrimnus mimulus is found over a wide area, from Virginia to Mexico, suggesting that this bug has a wide climatic tolerance. Baccharis, the preferred host genus of mimulus, includes many species that are present in California (Calflora). It appears likely that O. mimulus could become established over a large portion of California. Therefore, Ochrimnus mimulus receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Ochrimnus mimulus appears to be mostly restricted to the Asteraceae, although it feeds on multiple genera within this family. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Ochrimnus mimulus can apparently fly (it is collected at light). Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Ochrimnus mimulus is not known to be an economic pest, even though it is found over a wide area. It appears unlikely that it would become an economic pest in California if it became established in this state. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Ochrimnus mimulus has been shown to have broad feeding preferences within the family Asteraceae and it prefers the genus Baccharis. Coyote brush, Baccharis pilularis, is a dominant shrub of coastal scrub in California. If O.mimulus attacked this plant, it could impact species of plants and animals that live in these communities. California also has rare Baccharis species, including Baccharis vanessae R.M. Beauch (Encinitas baccharis), that could be threatened by O. mimulus (Calflora). Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A, B

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Ochrimnus mimulus: Medium (11)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Ochrimnus mimulus is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (11)

Uncertainty:

Even if O. mimulus is capable of becoming established in the state, it is not certain that it would have a significant impact on native plant species. If this insect became established in California, it could possibly attack crop plants in the family Asteraceae, including artichoke, safflower, and tarragon, although it is not known how much economic damage (if any) would result.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Ochrimnus mimulus is a flower-feeding insect that is not known to be present in California. It poses a threat to native California plants, including rare species. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Calflora. 2018. Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. Accessed April 3, 2018: http://www.calflora.org

Cancino, E. R. and Blanco, J. M. C. 2002. Artrópodos terrestres de los estados de Tamaulipas y Nuevo León, México. Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México.

CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database. 2018. Ochrimnus mimulus. Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed April 9, 2018: http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

Gould, G. G. and Sweet, M. H. 2000. The host range and oviposition behavior of Ochrimnus mimulus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in central Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist 45:15-53.

Hoffman, R. L. 1996. The Insects of Virginia. Number 14: Seed Bugs of Virginia. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, Virginia.

Palmer, W. A. 1986. Host specificity of Ochrimnus mimulus (Stål) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) with notes in its phenology. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 88:451-454.

Slater, J. A. and Baranowski, R. M. 1990. Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas. Volume 14: Lygaeidae of Florida (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed April 3, 2018: http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/21/18 – 8/5/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Mealybug | Vryburgia succulentarum

June 20, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Vryburgia succulentarum Williams: mealybug

Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Vryburgia succulentarum is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Vryburgia succulentarum is a mealybug that occurs on succulent plants. Adult females reach 3.1 mm in length (Williams, 1985). This mealybug has been found on, and presumably feeds on plants in the families Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Crassulaceae (García Morales et al., 2016; Moghaddam, 2015; Williams, 1985). Little else is known about the biology of this species. Most Vryburgia species are native to Africa and are associated with succulent plants (Li and Suh, 2012). Some Vryburgia species are capable of inflicting significant damage to succulents. For example, V. trionymoides can kill succulents and is a greenhouse pest in California (Stocks, 2016). Mealybugs in other genera that attack succulents have even been used as biological control agents of invasive cacti in Australia and South Africa (Aguirre et al., 2016).

Worldwide Distribution: Vryburgia succulentarum is reported to occur in southern Australia, Iran (in greenhouses), South Africa, and Tasmania (García Morales et al., 2016; Moghaddam, 2015). This species may be native to Africa; if so, the other localities represent introductions.

Official Control: Vryburgia succulentarum is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Vryburgia succulentarum is not known to be present in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Vryburgia succulentarum has not been intercepted in California (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).

The risk Vryburgia succulentarum would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The full distribution of succulentarum may not be fully known. However, this species has been reported from areas in Australia and Tasmania that have Mediterranean and temperate climates (Atlas of Living Australia; Williams, 1985). Therefore, much of California could have a suitable climate for this species. There are many members of the families Cactaceae and Crassulaceae in California, so there are many potential host plants. It appears likely that this mealybug could establish over a large portion of California. Therefore, V. succulentarum receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: This mealybug has been reported to be associated with three families of succulent plants. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: This mealybug has been intercepted multiple times on plants in quarantine, so it is evidently capable of being spread artificially on infested plants (García Morales et al., 2016). The Cactaceae and Crassulaceae include many popular landscaping plants, so this mode of dispersal is likely. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: The primary economic impact that is anticipated to occur if Vryburgia succulentarum becomes established in California is damage to cacti and succulents. Nursery production of these plants were worth $83 million in 2016 in California, an increase of 15% from the previous year. Continued growth appears likely, as water shortages in the state encourage the use of drought-tolerant plants. Production of cacti and succulents appears to be concentrated in San Diego County (CDFA Nursery Program, 2018; San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures). If it became established in the state, Vryburgia succulentarum could lower yield and increase production costs of cacti and succulents in California nurseries. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Economic Impact: A, B

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: There are numerous rare members of the families Cactaceae and Crassulaceae in California. For example, bright green dudleya (Dudleya virens insularis) and Bakersfield cactus (Opuntia basilaris treleasei) (Calflora). If V. succulentarum became established in this state, these plants could be threatened. In addition, if V. succulentarum attacks succulent plants in residential or other areas, this could trigger treatments. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: B, E

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Vryburgia succulentarum: Medium (12)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Vryburgia succulentarum is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)

Uncertainty:

The distribution and biology of V. succulentarum are poorly known. The most significant unknown in this proposal is the ability of this mealybug to damage the plants that it feeds upon. At least one species in the genus is reported to be a pest, but it may not be of economic significance.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Vryburgia succulentarum is a mealybug that attacks succulents, including Cactaceae and Crassulaceae. This mealybug, which is not known to occur in California, poses a threat to native California species and to the nursery industry as well. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Aguirre, M. B., Diaz-Soltero, H., Claps, L. E., Saracho Bottero, A., Triapitsyn, S., Hasson, E., and Logarzo, G. A. 2016. Studies on the biology of Hypogeococcus pungens (sensu stricto) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Argentina to aid the identification of the mealybug pest of Cactaceae in Puerto Rico. Journal of Insect Science 16:1-7.

Atlas of Living Australia website. Accessed March 29, 2018: http://www.ala.org.au

CDFA Nursery Program. 2018. Value of California nursery products. Nursery Advisory 01-2018:1-2.

CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database. 2018. Vryburgia succulentarum. Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed April 5, 2018: http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

García Morales, M., Denno, B. D., Miller, D. R., Miller, G. L., Ben-Dov, Y., and Hardy, N. B. 2016. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Accessed March 28, 2018: http://scalenet.info

Ji, J. and Suh, S.-J. 2012. A list of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) intercepted in quarantine on imported succulent plants in Korea 2006-2010. Insecta Mundi 0272:1-5.

Moghaddam, M. 2015. New records of mealybug species in Iran with discussions on morphological variations (Hemiptera, Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae). Entomologica Fennica 26:122-131.

San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. County of San Diego Crop Statistics & Annual Report (2016). Accessed June 18, 2018: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/awm/docs/AWM_2016_Crop_Report.pdf

Stocks, I. 2016. A mealybug – Vryburgia trionymoides (DeLotto) (Pseudococcidae). Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. Accessed: April 5, 2018: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/ORN/MEALYBUG/vryburgia_trionymoides.htm

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed March 28, 2018: http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Williams, D. J. 1985. Australian mealybugs. British Museum of Natural History, London.

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/20/18 – 8/4/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

A Mealybug | Trionymus sasae (Kanda)

April 30, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Trionymus sasae (Kanda): a mealybug

Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Trionymus sasae is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Trionymus sasae is only known to occur in Japan and it is associated with (and presumably feeds on) bamboo (García Morales et al., 2016). The localities it is reported from in Japan have a subtropical climate (Kawai, 1980). Other species of Trionymus are also associated with grasses (Poaceae), and some are pests of crop (e.g., barley and sugarcane) or ornamental (e.g., bamboo) plants (Alvarez, 2004; Jansen, 2009; Portilla and Cardona, 2004).

Worldwide Distribution: Trionymus sasae is only known from Japan. It was reportedly intercepted in California on bamboo from Oregon in 1995, so it is possible that this mealybug may be established in other areas (possibly Oregon), but if so, this has not been reported (Gill, 1995). Alternatively, this bamboo may have originally been shipped from Japan.

Official Control: Trionymus sasae is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Trionymus sasae is not known to be present in California.

California Interceptions: Trionymus sasae has been intercepted on bamboo from Japan and Oregon (California Department of Food and Agriculture; Gill, 1995).

The risk Trionymus sasae would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The areas in Japan where sasae is reported to occur have a subtropical climate. If this mealybug became established in California, it might be limited to warmer areas, for example, the southern coast. Therefore, T. sasae receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Trionymus sasae has been associated with two genera of bamboo. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Trionymus sasae has been intercepted on bamboo, so it is apparently capable of being dispersed through shipment of plant material. Bamboo is a popular plant and is presumably moved frequently throughout the state. Therefore, sasae receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Trionymus sasae lives on bamboo plants, which are popular ornamentals in California. If this mealybug became established in California, it could attack bamboo plants in nurseries, impacting their health or at least detracting from their appearance and value. This could increase production costs. Therefore, sasae receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact: B

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: There are many rare species in the family Poaceae in California (Calflora). If sasae became established in California, it could threaten some of these species. This mealybug could also impact ornamental bamboo plantings, and this could trigger treatments. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: B, D, E

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Trionymus sasae: Medium (9)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Trionymus sasae is not known to be present in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (9)

Uncertainty:

The known distribution of this species suggests it may be limited to warmer (subtropical) climates. If so, it may not be capable of establishment in California, or its area of potential distribution in the state could be quite limited. The potential of T. sasae to damage plants is also not known. Little information is available on this species, so the pest significance of other Trionymus species was considered in this proposal. The potential of this mealybug to impact native grasses in California would require that this species not be limited to bamboo.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Very little information is available regarding the biology of Trionymus sasae. This mealybug is not known to be present in California and it attacks bamboo (an important ornamental plant in the state). For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Alvarez, J.M. 2004. Trionymus haancheni McKenzie: A new pest of barley in Idaho. Plant Management Network. 5 pp.

California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed March 30, 2018. https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

García Morales, M., Denno, B.D., Miller, D.R., Miller, G.L., Ben-Dov, Y., and Hardy, N.B. 2016. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Accessed March 28, 2018 http://scalenet.info

Gill, R.J. 1995. Exclusion. California Plant Pest and Disease Report. 14: 8-12.

Jansen, M. 2009. New and less observed scale insect species for the Dutch fauna (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Entomologische Berichten. 69: 162-168.

Kawai, S. 1980. Scale Insects of Japan in Colors. National Agricultural Education Association. Tokyo. 455 pp.

Portilla, A.A.R. and Cardona, F.J.S. 2004. Coccoidea de Colombia, con énfasis en las cochinillas harinosas (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín. 57: 2383-2412.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed March 30, 2018. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/30/18 – 6/14/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Insects, Mites & Earthworms, Thysanoptera

A Thrips | Coremothrips pallidus Hood

April 30, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Coremothrips pallidus Hood: a thrips

Thysanoptera: Thripidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Coremothrips pallidus was recently reported to be established in Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017). It is currently Q-rated, and a permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Coremothrips pallidus is a tiny (~1 mm in length), pale yellowish-white thrips (Hood, 1925). It has been found feeding on avocado leaves in Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017). Adults and larvae were found on Guettarda scabra (Rubiaceae) in Guadeloupe, which suggests that this plant was being fed upon (Etienne et al., 2015). It has also been found on leaves of other plants in the families Bixaceae, Combretaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Ulmaceae, but it is not known if these records represent feeding (Cavalleri, 2015; Etienne et al., 2015; Goldarazena et al., 2012; Hood, 1925).

Worldwide Distribution: Coremothrips pallidus has been reported from Central America (Panama), South America (Brazil), and the Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Saint Vincent, and Trinidad) (Cavalleri, 2005; Etienne et al., 2015; Monteiro, 2002; Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network). It was recently reported to be established on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu in Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017).

Official Control: Coremothrips pallidus is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Coremothrips pallidus is not known to be present in California.

California Interceptions: Coremothrips pallidus has not been intercepted in California.

The risk Coremothrips pallidus would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Coremothrips pallidus appears to feed on at least two species of plants, including avocado. Avocado is widely planted in southern California. However, this thrips is apparently restricted to tropical or subtropical areas. It is possible that it could become established in a limited portion of California. Therefore, Coremothrips pallidus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Although pallidus has been reported from several plants species, only two of these plants are considered verified hosts here: Avocado (because the report specified that feeding had occurred) and Guettarda scabra (because adults and larvae were found on this plant), representing two families. It is likely that some of the other plants in the families listed above (under Background) were also fed upon. Therefore, C. pallidus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Coremothrips pallidus has wings and presumably flies. It could also be dispersed artificially via transport of infested plant material. Lastly, it may be capable of wind-aided dispersal. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Coremothrips pallidus has been reported to feed on avocado, which is an important crop in California. If this species was established in California, it is possible that it could lower the value of avocados. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact: B

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Coremothrips pallidus feeds on plants in at least two families. If this species became established in California, it would encounter plants that are not present in the area of its current distribution. If it fed on these plants, it is possible that this thrips could have an impact on natural communities. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

Environmental Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Coremothrips pallidus: Medium (9)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Coremothrips pallidus is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (9)

Uncertainty:

Coremothrips pallidus is fairly widely distributed, and yet there do not appear to be any reports of this species being a pest. It is therefore possible that this proposal is overly pessimistic and this thrips may not become a problem even if it was established in California. Some thrips are vectors of plant viruses, and it is possible (though no reports were found of C. pallidus vectoring diseases) that this species could transmit virus diseases of avocado if it was established in California.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Coremothrips pallidus is a plant-feeding thrips that attacks avocado and is not known to be present in California. If it became established in this state, it could impact avocado cultivation and could also have environmental impacts. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Cavalleri, A. 2005. Comunidades de tripes (Insecta: Thysanoptera) em flores e ramos, com ênfase em Asteraceae, no Parque Estadual de Itapuã, Vlamão, RS. Ph.D. dissertation. Instituto de Biociências da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre.

Etienne, J., Ryckewaert, P., and B. Michel. 2015. Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) of Guadeloupe and Martinique: Updated check-list with new information on their ecology and natural enemies. Florida Entomologist. 98(1): 298-304.

Goldarazena, A., Gattesco, F., Atencio, R., and C. Korytowski. 2012. An updated checklist of the Thysanoptera of Panama with comments on host associations. Check List. 8(6): 1232-1247.

Hood, J.D. 1925. New neotropical Thysanoptera collected by C.B. Williams. 1925. Psyche. 32: 48-69.

Monteiro, R. 2002. The Thysanoptera fauna of Brazil. Pages 325-340 in R. Marullo and L. Mound, editors. Thrips and Tospoviruses: Proceedings of the 7^th International Symposium on Thysanoptera. Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra. 390 pp.

Mound, L.A., Matsunaga, J.N., Bushe, B., Hoddle, M.S., and A. Wells. 2017. Adventive Thysanoptera species in the Hawaiian Islands: New records and putative host associations. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 49: 17-28.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed 13 November 2017. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/30/18 – 6/14/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Insects, Mites & Earthworms, Thysanoptera

Thrips | Indusiothrips seshadrii Priesner

April 30, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Indusiothrips seshadrii Priesner: thrips

Thysanoptera: Thripidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

A specimen of Indusiothrips seshadrii was recently found on Oahu Island, Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017). It is currently Q-rated, and a permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Indusiothrips seshadrii is a small (~1 mm in length), whitish-yellow thrips (Priesner, 1952). It has been reported from unidentified ferns in India and Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017; Priesner, 1952). This species appears to be rarely collected, and little additional information is available regarding its biology.

Worldwide Distribution: Indusiothrips seshadrii is known from, and is presumed native to India and Malaysia (Kudô, 1992; Priesner, 1952). It has been introduced to Oahu, Hawaii (Mound et al., 2017).

Official Control: Indusiothrips seshadrii is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Indusiothrips seshadrii is not known to occur in California.

California Interceptions: Indusiothrips seshadrii has not been intercepted in California.

The risk Indusiothrips seshadrii would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Although seshadrii is presumed to feed on ferns, the species it feeds on are not known. California has many species of native ferns, and it is possible that I. seshadrii could find suitable host plants over much of the state. However, this thrips is currently known to be limited to areas with a tropical climate. For this reason, I. seshadrii is not expected to be capable of establishing over more than a very limited area. Therefore, Indusiothrips seshadrii receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Indusiothrips seshadrii may feed on ferns. However, it is not known what species in particular act as hosts. The fact that it is known from India, Malaysia, and Hawaii suggests that more than a single species of fern is involved. To incorporate this uncertainty, host range will be considered to be moderate. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: This species has wings and presumably flies (Priesner, 1952). Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Indusiothrips seshadrii is presumed to feed on ferns. It has not been reported to be a pest, and it does not appear to pose an economic threat to California. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Indusiothrips seshadrii is presumed to feed on ferns. No reports were found indicating the extent, if any, of damage inflicted by these thrips on ferns. However, this could simply be because the host plants are not economically significant. There are many rare, native ferns in California. If this thrips became established in California, it could feed on and impact our native ferns. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: B

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

Environmental Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Indusiothrips seshadrii: Low (8)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Indusiothrips seshadrii is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low (8)

Uncertainty:

No reports were found indicating that I. seshadrii has any economic or environmental impact, although this could simply reflect a lack of study of the biology of this species because it does not feed on economically-significant plants. It is possible that I. seshadrii may not be capable of becoming established in California because it requires a tropical climate.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Indusiothrips seshadrii is a thrips that apparently feeds on ferns and is not known to be present in California. It poses a risk to the environment, including rare fern species, of which there are many in California. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Kudô, I. 1992. A new Malaysian thrips with notes on some species of Dendrothripoides and Indusiothrips (Thysanoptera, Thripidae). Insecta Matsumurana. 47: 91-101.

Priesner, H. 1952. On some new genera and species of Thysanoptera from the Oriental region. Indian Journal of Entomology. 13: 183-200.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed 18 December 2017. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/30/18 – 6/14/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

C-Rated, Coleoptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Weevil | Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus Perkins

April 30, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus Perkins: weevil

Coleoptera: Dryopthoridae

Pest Rating: C

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: This beetle is black in color, elongate, and 4.5-6 mm in length. The species has a short rostrum (“beak”) (Perkins, 1900). Larvae of all species of Dryophthorus, including D. homoeorhynchus, apparently feed on rotting plant material, primarily wood. Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is reported to feed on decomposing Chrysodracon species (Dracaenaceae) in Hawaii (Swezey, 1931; Swezey, 1954; Wagner et al., 2005). Other species in the genus are reported to feed on rotting hardwood and conifer wood, and at least one species has been reported to feed on rotting tree fern fronds (Hawaiian Entomological Society, 1928; O’Brien, 1997).

Worldwide Distribution: This beetle is native to, and is only known to occur in Hawaii. The species has been reported from Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai islands (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2009; Swezey, 1954).

Official Control: This beetle is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: This beetle is not known to be present in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: This beetle was intercepted on pineapple from Hawaii in February 2004 (California Department of Food and Agriculture).

The risk Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is only known to occur in Hawaii. If this beetle requires the climate found in its current area of distribution, then only a small portion of California would offer a similar suitable climate. At least one species in the family Dracaenaceae, Dracaena draco, is grown as an outdoor plant in California and could possibly serve as a host plant for homoeorhynchus. Due to the apparent climate restrictions, it appears unlikely that this beetle could become established in more than a small portion of California. Therefore, D. homoeorhynchus receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is only known to feed on the genus Chrysodracon. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: The biology of homoeorhynchus is poorly known. The beetle is assumed to fly. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: This beetle is only known to feed on dead plant material, as are all other members of the genus. Negative economic impacts are unlikely if this beetle became established in California. The species apparently feeds on decomposing plant material, not freshly-cut wood, and is known to be restricted to plants in the family Dracaenaceae, therefore there is little risk to timber. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Economic Impact:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Negative environmental impacts of this species if it became established in California appear minimal. The species feeds on dead plant material, and it appears to be restricted to a family of plants, the Dracaenaceae, that do not include any native California species. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact:

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus: Low (6)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low (6)

Uncertainty:

Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus may be able to tolerate cooler temperatures than are present in its native distribution. If this is the case, the species could become established over a greater portion of California if suitable plant material is present. The beetle may also be able to feed on plants in families other than Dracaenaceae. Feeding on living plant tissue, however, has not been reported in Hawaii and apparently all species in the genus Dryophthorus feed on dead, rotting plant tissue.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Dryophthorus homoeorhynchus is a tropical/subtropical beetle that feeds on dead plants in the family Dracaenaceae, and it is a member of a genus that is apparently restricted to dead, rotting plant material. This beetle appears to pose no threat, economic or environmental, to California. For these reasons, a “C” rating is justified.

References:

California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed March 22, 2018. https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

Hawaiian Entomological Society. 1928. January 6, 1927; notes and exhibitions. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 7: 1-31.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2009. At-risk species and habitats lists. Biology Technical Note. 22: 1-403.

O’Brien, C.W. 1997. A catalog of the Coleoptera of America north of Mexico. Family: Curculionidae. Subfamilies: Acicnemidinae, Cossoninae, Rhytirrhininae, Molytinae, Petalochilinae, Trypetidinae, Dryophthorinae, Tachygoninae, Thecesterninae. United States Department of Agriculture. 48 pp.

Perkins, R.C.L. 1900. II. Coleoptera Rhyncophora, Proterhinidae, Heteromera and Cioidae. 117-270 in (D. Sharp, ed.) Fauna Hawaiiensis. Cambridge University Press. London. 579 pp.

Swezey, O.H. 1931. Some new records of insects on Molokai. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 7: 485-488.

Swezey, O.H. 1954. Forest entomology in Hawaii. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publication. 44: 1-265.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed March 20, 2018. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Wagner, W.L., Herbst, D.R., and Lorence, D.H. 2005. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands. Accessed March 20, 2018. http://botany.si.edu/pacificislandbiodiversity/hawaiianflora/index.htm

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/30/18 – 6/14/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: C

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

A Leafhopper | Paraulacizes irrorata (Fabricus)

April 30, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Paraulacizes irrorata (Fabricius): a leafhopper

Hemiptera: Cicadellidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Paraulacizes irrorata is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: This is a large (~14 mm in length) leafhopper that is dark with numerous tiny, yellow spots (Overall and Rebek, 2017; Young, 1968). It is reported to feed on a variety of plants, including thistles (Cirsium spp.) (Asteraceae), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) (Lythraceae), Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus) (Poaceae), horseweed (Conyza canadensis) (Asteraceae), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) (Asteraceae), wholeleaf rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) (Asteraceae), and sorghum (Sorghum sp.) (Poaceae). It is found in vineyards, fruit orchards, and tree nurseries, so it is possible that it feeds on grapevines and trees (Ma et al., 2010; Myers et al., 2007; Overall, 2013). Eggs are laid inside twigs and woody/hardened stems and leaf petioles (Tipping et al., 2006). In a study in North Carolina vineyards, P. irrorata was shown to carry Xylella fastidiosa, the bacteria that causes Pierce’s disease and almond leaf scorch (Myers et al., 2007; Sisterson et al., 2010). However, P. irrorata has not yet been shown to transmit the disease (Overall and Rebek, 2017).

Worldwide Distribution: Paraulacizes irrorata is reported from the central, northeastern, and southeastern United States, Canada (Ontario), and northern Mexico (Maw et al., 2000; Pajero et al., 2008).

Official Control: Paraulacizes irrorata is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Paraulacizes irrorata is not known to occur in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Paraulacizes irrorata has been intercepted on plants from Arkansas, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma in 1992, 2000, and 2007, in a trailer from Arkansas in 2017, on aircraft from Tennessee in 2000 and 2002, and on a FedEx shipment from Florida in 2017 (California Department of Food and Agriculture).

The risk Paraulacizes irrorata would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The distribution of Paraulacizes irrorata extends from northern Mexico to Ontario, Canada. This suggests that it could become established over a wide area in California. This leafhopper feeds on a wide variety of plants, and there are likely suitable host plants in much of the state. Therefore, Paraulacizes irrorata receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Paraulacizes irrorata has been reported to feed on at least seven genera of plants in three families, but it probably has a much broader host range than this. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Paraulacizes irrorata presumably flies. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Paraulacizes irrorata feeds on a broad range of plants. The feeding damage could possibly lower crop yield, but a more serious concern, and a general one for the family Cicadellidae, is the potential for vectoring plant diseases. It is not known if irrorata can vector plant diseases, but it has been confirmed as a carrier of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacteria that causes Pierce’s disease and almond leaf scorch. If it was introduced to California, P. irrorata could potentially vector such pathogens and impact crops, including grapes and almonds. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Economic Impact: A, E

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: The presence of Praulacizes irrorata could trigger treatment programs. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Paraulacizes irrorata: Medium (12)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Paraulacizes irrorata is not known to occur in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)

Uncertainty:

The possible impact of Paraulacizes irrorata is somewhat speculative and it is based on demonstrated examples of impact from other cicadellid species and the possibility of this leafhopper vectoring Pierce’s disease (or other diseases) in crops, including grapes. This leafhopper has not been proven to transmit any plant diseases.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Paraulacizes irrorata is a plant-feeding insect that is potentially capable of vectoring plant diseases, including the causative agent of Pierce’s disease, Xylella fastidiosa. There is little evidence that P. irrorata has a significant economic or environmental impact in its current range. However, if it was established in California, this insect would be exposed to a new combination of variables, including new host plants and plant diseases; it is difficult to predict what impacts could result. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed April 2, 2018. https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

Maw, H.E.L., Foottit, R.G., Hamilton, K.G.A., and Scudder, G.G.E. 2000. Checklist of the Hemiptera of Canada and Alaska. National Research Council, Canada. 220 pp.

Myers, A.L., Sutton, T.B., Abad, J.A., and Kennedy, G.G. 2007. Pierce’s disease of grapevines; Identification of the primary vectors in North Carolina. Phytopathology. 97: 1440-1450.

Overall, L.M. 2013. Incidence of Xylella fastidiosa in Oklahoma, survey of potential insect vectors, and identification of potential plant reservoir hosts. Ph.D. Dissertation. Oklahoma State University. 155 pp.

Overall, L.M. and Rebek, E.J. 2017. Insect vectors and current management strategies for diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa in the southern United States. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 8: 1-12.

Paiero, S.M., Marshall, S.A., Pratt, P.D., and Buck, M. 2008. The insects of Ojibway Prairie, a southern Ontario tallgrass prairie.

Sisterson, M.S., Thammiraju, S.R., Lynn-Patterson, K., Groves, R.L., and Daane, K.M. 2010. Epidemiology of diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa in California: Evaluation of alfalfa as a source of vectors and inocula. Plant Disease. 94: 827-834.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed March 2, 2018. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Tipping, C., Triapitsyn, S.V., and Mizell III, R.F. 2006. First record of an egg parasitoid for the North American proconiine sharpshooter Paraulacacizes irrorata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with notes on rearing techniques. Florida Entomologist. 89(2): 288-289.

Young, D.A. 1968. Taxonomic study of the Cicadellinae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae); Part 1: Proconiini. United States National Museum Bulletin. 261. 287 pp.

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/30/18 – 6/14/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Coleoptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Longhorned Beetle | Arhopalus pinetorum (Wollaston)

April 27, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Arhopalus pinetorum (Wollaston) | Longhorned Beetle

Coleoptera: Cerambycidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Arhopalus pinetorum is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Arhopalus pinetorum is a reddish-brown beetle that is approximately 14 mm in length (Wollaston, 1863). Like most other cerambycids, the larvae develop in wood. This species is apparently restricted to dead pine trees with bark; it has been reported to develop in pines that are native to its area of distribution (including Canary Island pine, Pinus canariensis) as well as introduced pines (García, 2005; Vives, 2007).

Worldwide Distribution: Arhopalus pinetorum is native to the Canary Islands of Spain and the Madeira archipelago of Portugal. This beetle is rated as Near Threatened by the IUCN because of its small area of distribution, although it can be abundant where it occurs (Dodelin et al., 2017; Vives, 2007).

Official Control: Arhopalus pinetorum is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: This beetle is not known to be present in California, although it was found in Los Angeles County in 2001 (see California Interceptions, below) (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: This species was trapped in Los Angeles County in July 2001 (Duerr, 2005; Rabaglia et al., 2008).

The risk Arhopalus pinetorum would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The distribution of pinetorum includes areas with Mediterranean, desert, and subtropical climates. The climate of a large portion of California could be suitable for the establishment of this species, but northern and high mountain areas may be too cold. Pines are widely distributed in California, and A. pinetorum is not restricted to pine species that occur in its native range, so suitable host plants are likely to be present statewide. Therefore, this species receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: This species is apparently limited to pines (Pinus species). It originally may have been restricted to the native Pinus canariensis, but has been reported to feed on other (unidentified) species as well. Therefore, it receives a Low (1) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Other Arhopalus species fly, and it is presumed that pinetorum can as well (Pawson et al., 2010). Arhopalus pinetorum may be artificially dispersed through the movement of wood products, including firewood. Arhopalus is the most commonly-intercepted genus of cerambycid in wood products and wood packing materials at United States ports of entry (Eyre and Haack, 2017). Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: This beetle is apparently restricted to dead pines. No reports were found of any Arhopalus species attacking healthy, living trees. Cerambycids that attack dead trees (trees that have been cut or killed by fire or other causes) reduce the value of the wood, both through their tunneling as well as from staining by fungi that invade through the beetle’s tunnels (Lowell et al., 2010). More rapid harvesting of wood is one method used to avoid such damage. Arhopalus species are capable of degrading fire-killed trees before they can be harvested (Bradbury, 1998; Eaton and Lyon, 1955; Hosking and Bain, 1977). Arhopalus pinetorum could impact salvage harvesting of fire-killed timber in California. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Economic Impact: B, D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Arhopalus pinetorum is only known to feed on dead pine trees. Therefore, it is not likely to threaten living trees. However, it could compete with native wood-feeding insects, and may influence the degradation of dead pines in California. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Arhopalus pinetorum: Medium (9)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: The 2001 detection in Los Angeles County represents the only known find of this species in this state. For the purpose of this proposal, it is assumed that A. pinetorum is not established in California. The species receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (9)

Uncertainty:

This beetle would possibly display broader feeding preferences in California. There is some suggestion in the literature that Arhopalus species may sometimes attack trees that are living (but “sick” or otherwise compromised), but documented examples of such attacks were not found (Wang and Leschen, 2003). If living (whether stressed or not) trees could be attacked in California by A. pinetorum, then the risk posed by this beetle has been underestimated in this proposal.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Arhopalus pinetorum is a beetle that feeds on dead pine trees. This species could become established in a large portion of California, and if this occurred, it could have an impact on the timber industry and on the native decomposer fauna associated with dead pines. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Bradbury, P.M. 1998. The effects of the burnt pine longhorn beetle and wood-staining fungi on fire damaged Pinus radiata in Canterbury. New Zealand Forestry. 43: 28-31.

Dodelin, B., Alexander, K., Audisio, P., Jansson, N., Legakis, A., Liberto, A., Makris, C., and X. Vazquez. 2017. Arhopalus pinetorum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed February 20, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T86803993A87310373.en

Duerr, D.A. 2005. Early detection and rapid response pilot project. In (K.W. Gottshalk, ed.)

Proceedings, 16th United States Department of Agriculture Interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2005. USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. (pp. 16-17)

Eaton, C.B. and R.L. Lyon. 1955. Arhopalus productus (Lec.), a borer in new buildings. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service California Forest and Range Experiment Station Technical Paper. 11: 1-11.

Eyre, D. and R.A. Haack. 2017. Invasive cerambycid pests and biosecurity measures. In (Q. Wang, ed.) Cerambycidae of the World: Biology and Pest Management. CRC Press. (pp. 563-618).

García, R. 2005. Distribución de la familia Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) en la isla de La Palma. Revista de Estudios Generales de la Isla de La Palma. 1: 141-170.

Hosking, G.P. and J. Bain. 1977. Arhopalus ferus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); its biology in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. 7(1): 3-15.

Lowell, E.C., Rapp, V.A., Haynes, R.W., and C. Cray. 2010. Effects of fire, insect, and pathogen damage on wood quality of dead and dying western conifers. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-816. 73 pp.

Pawson, S., Watson, M., and A. Brin. 2010. Relative attraction of Arhopalus ferus to white and yellow site lighting at Port Tauranga. Scion.

Rabaglia, R., Duerr, D., Acciavatti, R., and I. Ragenovich. 2008. Early detection and rapid response for non-native bark and ambrosia beetles. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Health Protection.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed February 26, 2017. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Vives, E. 2007. Nuevo catálogo de los Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) de la Península Ibérica, islas Baleares e islas atlánticas: Canarias, Açores y Madeira. Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa. Zaragoza. 211 pp.

Wang, Q. and R.A.B. Leschen. 2003. Identification and distribution of Arhopalus species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Aseminae) in Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand Entomologist. 26: 53-59.

Wollaston, T.V. 1863. On the Canarian longicorns. Journal of Entomology. 2(8): 99-110.

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/25/18 – 6/9/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

A-Rated, Coleoptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Jewel Beetle | Actenodes auronotatus (Gory & Laporte)

April 25, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Jewel Beetle | Actenodes auronotatus (Gory & Laporte)

Coleoptera: Buprestidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Actenodes auronotatus is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Adult Actenodes auronotatus are approximately 1.5 cm in length. The upper surface is brown and slightly bronzy with metallic golden-green spots (Fisher, 1942). The larvae of this beetle, like most buprestids, live in and feed on wood. This beetle has been found inside (presumably having developed in) the wood of Avicennia germinans (Verbenaceae), Cajanus cajan (Fabaceae), and Taxodium distichum (Cupressaceae) (Fisher, 1942; Hanula,1993; MacRae and Basham, 2013). When information on the condition of the wood was given, it was reported to be dead. Actenodes auronotatus has also been associated with (but not necessarily feeding on) Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarinaceae) (Capelouto, 1949). Other Actenodes species are associated with Acacia (Fabaceae), Acer (Aceraceae), Carya (Juglandaceae), Gleditsia (Fabaceae), Prosopis (Fabaceae), Quercus (Fagaceae), Ulmus (Ulmaceae), and Zelkova (Ulmaceae) species (Camacho-Pantoja, 2009; Hansen et al., 2012; MacRae and Bellamy, 2013; Nelson and MacRae, 1990; Westcott, 1990; Westcott et al., 1989). Some of these records were of beetles reared from, or collected from the inside of branches of live trees, but in these cases, it was not reported if the branches themselves were alive or dead.

Worldwide Distribution: This species is reported from Cuba, Haiti, eastern Mexico, and the southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana) (Cancino and Blanco, 2002; Carlton et al., 2014; Fisher, 1942; García et al., 2010; Hespenheide and Bellamy, 2004; Peck, 2005). Blackwelder (1944) reported A. auronotatus from Chile, but more recent reports of this species in that country were not found.

Official Control: Actenodes auronotatus is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution: Actenodes auronotatus is not known to be present in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Actenodes auronotatus was intercepted in a trailer from Florida in May 2006 (California Department of Food and Agriculture).

The risk Actenodes auronotatus would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Actenodes auronotatus is apparently restricted to areas with tropical or subtropical climates, and it seems likely that if it can establish in California, it would be restricted to a limited area. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: This beetle has been found inside and presumably developed in the wood of at least three botanical families. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Actenodes auronotatus presumably flies and can be moved in infested wood, including firewood. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Actenodes auronotatus has not been reported to feed on living trees, and no reports were found of any species in this genus being a pest. However, some species of Buprestidae that are known to primarily feed on injured or dead trees can attack apparently healthy (though possibly stressed, from drought, for example) trees (Fettig, 2016; Furniss and Carolin, 1977). There is little information available on the biology of auronotatus or the genus Actenodes. If A. auronotatus can attack living trees, it could lower yield of timber. Even if A. auronotatus cannot attack living trees, it could damage cut timber, lowering its value. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Economic Impact: A, B

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

4) Environmental Impact: If Actenodes auronotatus can attack living trees, it could impact forest ecosystems in California. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Actenodes auronotatus: Medium (10)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Actenodes auronotatus is not known to be present in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (10)

Uncertainty:

The limited biological information available on A. auronotatus means that there is significant uncertainty in this proposal. The most significant uncertainty is that regarding the potential for A. auronotatus to attack living trees. Some buprestids that normally live in dying or dead trees attack living trees in dry conditions (e.g., during droughts). Climate change may result in greater drought stress in California, which could make trees more susceptible to beetles like this one. There is also uncertainty regarding the size range of wood that A. auronotatus utilizes. It may only use branches, in which case the economic impact on already-cut wood would likely be minimal. This proposal has taken a cautious approach. It is possible that this beetle feeds only on dead branches, in which case it would likely not pose an economic threat to California (because living trees and cut timber of larger dimensions would not be attacked). In this case, it could still pose an environmental threat, because it would likely compete with native beetles that live inside dead wood.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Actenodes auronotatus is a member of a beetle family that includes important forest pests. Although this species is not known to attack living trees, little is known about the biology of this species to exclude that possibility. There is evidence that other buprestids that normally live in dead or dying trees can sometimes attack live trees. If A. auronotatus can attack living trees or cut timber, it could have economic and environmental impacts in California, where it is not yet known to be present. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

References:

Blackwelder, R.E. 1944. Checklist of the coleopterous insects of Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. Bulletin of the United States National Museum. 185(2): 189–341.

California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed February 14, 2018. https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

Camacho-Pantoja, A. 2009. Árboles de importancia forestal hospedantes de Buprestidae (Coleoptera) en México. In (A.E. Martínez, E.E. Venegas, J.A.A. Soto, and M.P.C. Grijalva, eds.): Memoria del XV Simposio Nacional de Parasitología Forestal (pp. 36-39).

Capelouto, R. 1949. Notes on the Florida Buprestidae (Coleoptera). The Florida Entomologist. 32(3): 109-114.

Carlton, C.E., Johnson, W., Allison, J.D., MacRae, T.C., Tishechkin, A., Virgets, W., Ferro, M.L., and J.-S. Park. 2014. Buprestidae of Louisiana: From traditional faunistics to early detection of the Emerald Ash Borer (poster).

E.R. Cancino and J.M.C. Blanco. 2002. Artrópodos terrestres de los estados de Tamaulipas y Nuevo León, México. Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. 377 pp.

Fettig, C.J. 2016. Chapter 18: Native bark beetles and wood borers in Mediterranean forests of California. In (T.D. Paine and F. Lieutier, eds.) Insects and Diseases of Mediterranean Forests (pp. 499-528). Springer. 892 pp.

Fisher, W.S. 1942. A revision of the North American species of buprestid beetles belonging to the tribe Chrysobothrini. United States Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication. 470: 1-275.

Furniss, R.L. and V.M. Carolin. 1977. Western forest insects. USDA Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication, Washington, DC.

García, I.F., Reyes Sánchez, E.E., and A.D. Álvarez. 2010. Colección entomológica “Juan C. Gundlach”: Serie Elateriformia (Coleoptera). Poeyana. 499: 5-12.

Hansen, J.A., Basham, J.P., Oliver, J.B., Youseef, N.N., Klingeman, W.E., Moulton, J.K., and D.C. Fare. 2012. New state and host plant records for metallic woodboring beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Tennessee, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin. 66(4): 337-343.

Hanula, J.L. 1993. Relationship of wood-feeding insects and coarse woody debris. In (J.W. McMinn and D.A. Crossley, Jr., eds.) Biodiversity and Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests (pp. 55-81). United States Department of Agriculture. 146 pp.

Hespenheide, H.A. and C.L. Bellamy. 2004. The first Antillean Pachyschelus, and a new Leiopleura, from Hispaniola (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Folia Heyrovskana. 12(2-3): 105-112.

MacRae, T.C. and J.P. Basham. 2013. Distributional, biological, and nomenclatural notes on Buprestidae (Coleoptera) occurring in the U.S. and Canada. Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 89(3): 125-142.

MacRae, T.C. and C.L. Bellamy. 2013. Two new species of Actenodes Dejean (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from southern Mexico, with distributional and biological notes on Buprestidae from Mexico and Central America. Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 89(2): 102-119.

Nelson, G.H. and T.C. MacRae. 1990. Additional notes on the biology and distribution of Buprestidae (Coleoptera) in North America. The Coleopterists Bulletin. 44(3): 349-354.

Peck, S.B. 2005. A checklist of the beetles of Cuba with data on distributions and bionomics. Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas. Volume 18. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 241pp.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed February 9, 2018. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Westcott, R.L. 1990. Distributional, biological and taxonomic notes on North American Buprestidae (Coleoptera). Insecta Mundi. 4(1-4): 73-80.

Westcott, R.L., Atkinson, T.H., Hespenheide, H.A., and G.H. Nelson. 1989. New country and state records, and other notes for Mexican Buprestidae (Coleoptera). Insecta Mundi. 3(3): 217-232.

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/25/18 – 6/9/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

B-Rated, Coleoptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood

April 25, 2018 Kyle Beucke

California Pest Rating for

Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood

Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae

Pest Rating: B

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Hypothenemus eruditus is currently Q-rated. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: This tiny (1-1.2 mm in length) bark beetle is one of the most widely-distributed and variable species in the genus Hypothenemus (Bright and Stark, 1973). The beetle has been reported to feed on hundreds of species of plants and other materials as well, including fungus and even the cover of a book (evidently the reason for the choice of the name eruditus) (Huang, 2016; Turner and Beaver, 2015; Wood, 1982). In plants, it is reported to feed in dying twigs and branches (Bright and Stark, 1973). Females mate with their flightless male siblings before leaving the gallery. Hypothenemus eruditus does not appear to cause any recognized economic or environmental impact (Huang, 2016; Turner and Beaver, 2015). Recent work suggest that there may be multiple (>10) cryptic species that are currently identified as Hypothenemus eruditus; this is perhaps not surprising, given the many synonyms listed for it, its minute size, and its morphological variability (Huang, 2016; Kirkendall and Jordal, 2006).

Worldwide Distribution: Hypothenemus eruditus is widely distributed. The species occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, Central America, and South America. In the United States, it occurs in the eastern United States and in California (Bright and Stark, 1973; Wood, 1982.

Official Control: Hypothenemus eruditus is not known to be under any official control.

California Distribution: Hypothenemus eruditus has been reported from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Santa Barbara counties. Records representing collections exclusive of nurseries were found for the following localities: Santa Barbara County: Arroyo Hondo Preserve (2002); Santa Rosa Island, Cherry Canyon, Torrey pines grove, and Windmill Canyon (2008); San Diego County: Santee (2012) (PDR# 1316740) (Bright and Stark, 1973; CDFA Pest and Damage Record; Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions: Hypothenemus eruditus has been intercepted twice on shipments entering California: Once on dried twigs from Laos (PDR# 050455) and once on Polyscias fruticosa from Florida (PDR# 063283). As mentioned above, this beetle was also found on avocado in a residential garden in Santee, San Diego County, California (PDR# 1316740).

The risk Hypothenemus eruditus would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Hypothenemus eruditus occurs widely in the United States. The species occurs in California and on the east coast, from New Hampshire to Florida and west to Illinois and Texas. This suggests that eruditus could become established over a significant portion of California. The list of hosts includes hundreds of species of plants and fungi. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Hypothenemus eruditus is known to feed on hundreds of species of plants, as well as fungi. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Hypothenemus eruditus is capable of sustained flight. Females mate with their flightless male siblings, so they leave their development site ready to colonize new host material (Huang, 2016). The beetle can also be transported in wood and wood products. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Hypothenemus eruditus is not known to be an economically-significant pest (Huang, 2016). The species already occurs in California and the eastern United States and it has a widespread world distribution. However, no reports have been found suggesting that it has an economic impact. However, there is the possibility that other species, including cryptic ones, could be identified at eruditus. Such species could pose a threat to California agriculture, for example, lowering crop yield and increasing crop production costs. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Economic Impact: A, B

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: Medium (2)

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Hypothenemus eruditus is not known to have an environmental impact anywhere. The beetle already occurs in California and the eastern United States and no reports were found of it having an environmental impact. However, this could reflect a lack of research rather than a lack of impact. In addition, there is the possibility that other species of Hypothenemus, including cryptic ones, could be identified at eruditus. Such species could pose a threat to the environment, for example, by disrupting natural communities. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: Medium (2)

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Hypothenemus eruditus: High (13)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Although this species is likely present in additional areas of California, Hypothenemus eruditus has been reported from outdoor, non-nursery localities in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. It receives a Low (-1) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)

Uncertainty:

The most significant uncertainty regarding Hypothenemus eruditus is the species identity itself. There is evidence that there are actually multiple (>10) species that are currently recognized as H. eruditus. There is a risk that a species with biological characteristics differing from those considered for H. eruditus could be intercepted and not be regulated because it is identified as that species. Such a cryptic species could have greater (than is recognized for H. eruditus) potential for economic and/or environmental impact. Systematic research on Hypothenemus is needed. There is also a significant likelihood that H. eruditus is more widespread in California than is currently known. It is a tiny beetle and is not easy to identify.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Hypothenemus eruditus is widely distributed and is not known to have any economic or environmental impacts. However, there is evidence that multiple cryptic species of Hypothenemus may be currently identified as H. eruditus. A cautious approach has been taken and a “B” rating is justified.

References:

Bright Jr., D.E. and R.W. Stark. 1973. The Bark and Ambrosia Beetles of California. University of California Press. 169 pp.

Huang, Y.T. 2016. Featured creatures: Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood. University of Florida. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/trees/beetles/Hypothenemus_eruditus.htm

Kirkendall, L. R. and B.H. Jordal. 2006. The bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the role of mating systems in island zoogeography. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 89: 729-743.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed 5 February 2018. http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

Turner, C.R. and R.A. Beaver. 2015. Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood and Hypothenemus seriatus (Eichhoff) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Cryphalini) in Britain. The Coleopterist. 24(1): 12-15.

Wood, S.L. 1982. The bark and ambrosia beetles of North and Central America (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), a taxonomic monograph. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs. 6: 1-1356.

Author:

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Comment Period:* CLOSED

4/25/18 – 6/9/18

*NOTE:

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: B

Posted by ls

B-Rated, Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug | Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

April 25, 2018 Jason Leathers 4 Comments

California Pest Rating for

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug | Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

August 26, 2014, Dr. Gillian Watson identified Maconellicoccus hirsutus from a sample collected on 100 heavily infested silk oak trees at a golf course in Rancho Mirage, Riverside County. The mealybug was previously eradicated from Riverside County in 2011. Follow-up surveys have revealed that the pest is now widespread and abundant in Riverside County. An updated pest rating proposal is needed to determine future direction.

History & Status:

Background: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is a highly polyphagous mealybug that feeds on the stems, leaves, buds, fruit, and roots of plants in more than 200 genera in 77 plant families^1,2. Economically important hosts include grapes, citrus, avocado, cotton, Prunus spp., Solanum spp., and ornamentals. While feeding, the mealybug injects toxic saliva into plants that inhibits cell enlargement, causing stunting of new growth and curling and contortion of leaves⁷. Entire plants may be stunted and deformed⁷. High populations can lead to the death of plants⁷. The mealybug can spread long distances through the trade in host plants and fruit.

Worldwide Distribution: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is considered to be native to southern Asia^1,2 and has invaded much of the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, and South America. In North America it has been found in Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Imperial and Riverside counties, California³. It has recently been detected and is under eradication in Tennessee⁶.

Official Control: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is listed as a quarantine pest by many nations including Antigua and Barbuda⁴, Bermuda⁴, Brazil⁴, Cayman Islands⁴, Chile⁴, Colombia⁴, Costa Rica⁴, Ecuador⁴, El Salvador⁴, Guatemala⁴, Honduras⁴, Israel⁴, Jamaica⁴, Japan⁴, Republic of Korea⁴, Mexico⁴, Morocco⁴, Nicaragua⁴, Panama⁴, Paraguay⁴, Peru⁴, South Africa⁴, Turkey⁴, Uruguay⁴, and the European Union².

California Distribution: Maconellicoccus hirsutus has been present in Imperial County since 1999. The mealybug was detected in Riverside County in 2011 and successfully eradicated by the county. The mealybug was detected again in Riverside County in 2014 infesting 100 silk oak trees at a golf course.

California Interceptions: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is occasionally intercepted on fruit or plants headed for destinations within California, most often on longan fruits.

The risk Maconellicoccus hirsutus (pink hibiscus mealybug) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Maconellicoccus hirsutus, due to its polyphagous nature, is likely to encounter suitable hosts throughout California. The present distribution of the mealybug corresponds to USDA plant hardiness zones 9-13¹, which encompasses much of California. Pink hibiscus mealybug receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is known to feed on plants in more than 200 genera in 77 plant families. The mealybug receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Pink hibiscus mealybug has a high reproductive rate. Each female lays 150-600 eggs and there can be up to 15 generations per year². The crawlers of this mealybug are reported to be very active and are capable of spreading to nearby plants; furthermore, they may be dispersed by wind or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals. The mealybugs may also be spread long distances through the movement of infested plants or fruit. Maconellicoccus hirsutus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Maconellicoccus hirsutus has been present in Imperial County since 1999, where it has been successfully controlled by biological control agents. No economic damages in California are presently attributed to this pest. In the presence of effective biological control, the mealybug is not expected to lower crop yields. In the absence of effective biological control, yields are likely to be reduced (see uncertainty section below). As it feeds on a wide variety of ornamentals, the mealybug may increase crop production costs in nurseries by triggering new chemical treatments to ensure clean nursery stock. The mealybug is listed as a quarantine pest by many nations and its presence is likely to disrupt markets for California fresh fruit. Pink hibiscus mealybug is not expected change cultural practices, vector pestiferous organisms, injure agriculturally important animals, or interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses. Maconellicoccus hirsutus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. Algodones Dunes sunflower (Helianthus niveus tephrodes), Bakersfield cactus (Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei), and small-leaved rose (Rosa minutifolia) are listed as threatened or endangered plants in California and are potential hosts of this mealybug. An infestation of the mealybug in Riverside County in 2011 was eradicated by the county, indicating that the presence of this pest may trigger additional official treatment programs. Additional treatments are also likely in the nursery industry and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. In some cases, the mealybug is likely to be managed by biological control programs such that it does not significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, or ornamental plantings. However, due to its extremely high reproductive rate and broad host range it is likely to sometimes cause significant damage to ornamental plants as it encounters them before biological control agents. Maconellicoccus hirsutus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Maconellicoccus hirsutus (pink hibiscus mealybug): High(14)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is only known to be established in Imperial and Riverside counties. The mealybug receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High(13)

Uncertainty:

There have been no recent statewide surveys for the mealybug, so it may have a larger distribution within California. In the absence of surveys or official control, trading partners are likely to regulate the entire state, so range expansions of pink hibiscus mealybug may not trigger new impacts on fruit exports. Pheidole megacephala (bigheaded ant) has recently been detected in California. This is an aggressive ant that is likely to tend pink hibiscus mealybug and consume all parasites and predators it encounters, reducing the effectiveness of biological control⁵. As bigheaded ant expands its range through southern California it is likely to facilitate the invasion of Maconellicoccus hirsutus and may disrupt the presently successful biological control program. If this were to occur, yield of economically important crops such as almonds, peaches, pistachios, walnuts, olives, and citrus may be reduced. Crop quality and production costs by increase in the long term. This may elevate the economic impact of the pest to High (3).

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Maconellicoccus hirsutus is a highly polyphagous mealybug with a limited distribution within California at present. If it enters commercial fruit groves and vineyards the presence of the mealybug is likely to close or restrict export markets for fresh fruit. If found outside of its present distribution, it will likely trigger treatment or biological control programs. Although pink hibiscus mealybug has been known to be present in California since 1999 it remains under official active management programs including survey and biological control. The “A” rating is supported while these remain in effect.

References:

¹Culliney, T.W. 2014. Deregulation Evaluation of Established Pests (DEEP); DEEP Report on Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green): Egyptian hibiscus mealybug, pink hibiscus mealybug.

²Data sheets on quarantine pests: Maconellicoccus hirsutus. 2005. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 35, 413-415. http://www.eppo.int/QUARANTINE/insects/Maconellicoccus_hirsutus/DS_Maconellicoccus_hirsutus.pdf

³Ben-Dov, Y. 2014. ScaleNet, Maconellicoccus hirsutus. Available online at http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/pseudoco/Maconellicoccushirsutus.htm Accessed on 9 April 2014.

⁴USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

⁵Buckley, Ralf and Penny Gullan. 1991. More aggressive ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) provide better protection for soft scales and mealybugs (Homoptera: Coccidae, Pseudococcidae). Biotropica 23(3): 282-286. http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2388205?uid=3739560&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21104122016081

⁶NAPIS; Email updated dated September 2, 2014. http://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/capsreview.php?code=IRAWBIA

⁷Hoy, Marjorie A., Avas Hamon, and Ru Nguyen. 2006. Common name: pink hibiscus mealybug. University of Florida Featured Creatures. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/mealybug/mealybug.htm

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