California Pest Rating  for

Scarab Beetle | Gymnetis stellata (Latreille)

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae

Pest Rating: A

 

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PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

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

History & Status:

Background:  Gymnetis stellata is a beetle that measures approximately 20 mm in length and 13 mm in width.  It is dark and velvety with a distinctive pattern of red-orange stripes that radiate from the center of its body.  It occurs in tropical forests at low elevations (below 1600 meters above sea level).  Adults are reported to feed on fruit, including banana, lemon, and guava (Juárez and González, 2015; Maes and Orozco, 2017; Oliveros-Guzmán, 2017).  Adults of other Gymnetis species are reported to feed on fruit, leaves, and flowers; feeding damage is reported to result in the loss of fruit (García, 2005; Montero and Seta, 2015; Segarra et al., 2014).  The larvae of Gymnetis stellata feed on decomposing organic matter.  Numerous larvae, pupal cells, and adults of this species were found in an accumulation of insectivorous bat guano in an unfinished building in Tabasco, Mexico.  It is likely other types of organic matter are used for development more frequently (Sánchez Soto et al., 2017).  The larvae of other species of Gymnetis are reported to feed on decomposing organic matter, including rotting logs (Montero and Seta, 2015; Neita et al., 2006).

Worldwide Distribution:  Gymnetis stellata has been reported from Mexico, Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panamá), and South America (Colombia and Peru) (Duque and Cabrera, 2013; Juárez and González, 2015; Maes and Orozco, 2017; Oliveros-Guzmán et al., 2017; Ríos and Gómez, 2011; Sánchez Soto et al., 2017).

Official Control: Gymnetis stellata is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution:  Gymnetis stellata is not known to be present in California.

California Interceptions:  Gymnetis stellata was found outside of a produce terminal in San Francisco County in 2007 (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).

The risk Gymnetis stellata would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Gymnetis stellata appears to be restricted to warmer climates. It is likely that this beetle would be limited to the southern, coastal portion of California if it became established here.  Gymnetis stellata is presumed to be capable of feeding on a wide variety of fruit (and possibly flowers as well), and the larvae are known to feed on decomposing organic matter.  Presence of adult and larval food is not expected to be a significant limiting factor of the potential distribution of this species in California.  Therefore, Gymnetis stellata 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: Gymnetis stellata apparently feeds on decomposing organic matter as a larva and a variety of fruits as an adult. Based on the known feeding habits of this species and others in the genus, it appears likely that a very wide variety of fruits could be fed upon by the adults.  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 Reproductive and Dispersal Potential: Cetoniines are typically strong fliers.  All life stages of stellata appear unlikely to be dispersed artificially, because the larvae live in rotting organic matter and the adults are large and mobile.  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: Adult Gymnetis stellata are reported to feed on fruit.  Other Gymnetis species have been reported to cause damage to fruit as a result of adult feeding.  For example, adult feeding by two species of Gymnetis has damaged peach, apricot, and tomato fruit in Argentina (Montero and Seta, 2015).  It is possible that stellata could feed on and damage a variety of fruits, especially soft-skinned ones.  Some Gymnetis species feed on other plant parts, including leaves and flowers, as well as fruit.  It is possible that G. stellata may share such broad feeding habits, and if it does, it could damage crops other than fruit.  Damage to crops could lower yield and increase 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:  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: Adult Gymnetis stellata feed on fruit, and they may also be capable of feeding on other plant parts, including flowers and leaves. If this beetle became established in California, it could attack native plants, which could disrupt natural communities.  In addition, if it was a pest in agricultural situations, it 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:  A, 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.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

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 Gymnetis stellata: 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: Gymnetis stellata 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 (12)

Uncertainty:

It is possible that the climate of California may not be conducive to the establishment of G. stellata.  It is also possible that this beetle would not have significant economic or environmental impacts even if it did become established in the state. Although adult feeding is capable of causing damage to, and loss of fruit, there appears to be little mention of Gymnetis species as significant pests in the literature.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Gymnetis stellata is a plant-feeding insect that has the potential to damage fruit and possibly other crops, and it could have environmental impacts as well.  It is not known to be present in California.  For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

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References:

CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database.  2018.  Gymnetis stellata.  Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. CA Department of Food and Agriculture.  Accessed April 25, 2018: https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

Duque, M. E. T. and Cabrera, S. G.  2013.  Reporte de los fondos del MEFLG: Melolόntidos del Museo Entomolόgico Francisco Luís Gallego.  Boletin del Museo Entomolόgico Francisco Luís Gallego 5:27-56.

García, C. V.  2005.  Reconocimiento fitosanitario en cinco variedades cultivadas de macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden et Betche) en la zona cafetera colombiana.  Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Agroecología 74:69-76.

Maes, J- M. and Orozco, J.  2017.  Catalogo ilustrado de los Cetoniinae y Trichiinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) de Nicaragua.  Revista Nicaraguense de Entomologia 120:1-111.

Montero, G. A. and Seta, S. A.  2015.  Daños producidos por dos especies de Gymnetis (Cetoniinae: Scarabaeidae) en frutos de tomate, damasco y durazno en el sudeste de Santa Fe.  Agromensajes 41:18-22.

Neita, J. C., Orozco A., J., and Ratcliffe, B.  2006.  Escarabajos (Scarabaeidae: Pleurosticti) de la selva baja del bosque pluvial tropical <<BP-T>>, Chocό, Colombia.  Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n.s.) 22:1-32.

< lang="es">Oliveros-Guzmán, E., Ponce-Saavedra, J., and Niño-Maldonado, S.  2017.  Nuevos registros de Gymnetis stellata (Latreille, 1833) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) para los estados de Michoacán y Tamaulipas, México.  Folia Entomológica Mexicana (nueva serie) 3:9−11.

Ríos, M. A. M. and Rojas-Gómez, C. V.  2011.  Escarabajos de mayo y mayates (Insecta: Coleoptera: Melolonthidae).  pp. 391-397 in Angón, A.C. (ed.), La Biodiversidad en Veracruz.  Volumen II.  Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Gobierno del Estado de Veracruz, Universidad Veracruzana, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. México.

Sánchez Soto, S., Jiménez, M. M., Gόmez, W. S. S., Aguilar, J. D. L., and Méndez, A. D. J.  2017.  Sitio de reproducciόn de Gymnetis stellata en Tabasco, México.  Boletín del Museo de Entomología de la Universidad del Valle 17:16-20.

Segarra, A. E., Morales-Pérez, A, Franqui, R. A., and Ratcliffe, B. C.  2014.  First report of a South American cetoniine beetle, Gymnetis strigosa (Olivier, 1789) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), in Puerto Rico.  The Coleopterists Bulletin 68:217-218.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network.  Accessed January 12, 2018: http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

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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

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Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/25/18 – 8/09/18

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*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.

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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.

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Pest Rating: A

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Posted by ls 

California Pest Rating  for

Rice Beetle | Dyscinetus morator (Fabricius)

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae

Pest Rating: A

 

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PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

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

History & Status:

Background:  Adult Dyscinetus morator are beetles that measure ½ to ¾ of an inch in length.  They are black and shining with a slightly greenish sheen (Woodruff, 1999).  Adults feed on plant material aboveground, underground, and even under water.  They have been reported to feed on, burrow into, and cause significant damage (including crop losses up to 30%) to carrots and radishes in Florida (Foster et al., 1986).  Ornamental plants are also affected.  For example, tubers of caladium were attacked by D. morator adults in Florida (Price and Kring, 1991).   Adults were also reported to feed on leaves of a variety of crop species in the laboratory, including lettuce, peas, squash, and tomato. They apparently thrive in aquatic habitats and can spend several hours submerged under water while feeding on aquatic plants, including the aquatic weed Salvinia minima (Jäch and Balke, 2008; Parys et al., 2013).  Dyscinetus morator larvae are C-shaped, whitish grubs that live underground.  They are reported to feed on roots, including those of azalea (Rhododendron spp.) and juniper (Juniperus sp.) (Price and Kring, 1991; Staines, 1990).  The larvae may also feed on accumulations of decomposing organic matter, including compost (Richter, 1958).

Worldwide Distribution:  Dyscinetus morator is reported from the Caribbean (Bahamas, Cuba, and Puerto Rico) and the eastern United States (from Florida north to New York and west to Texas) (Ratcliffe and Cave, 2008; Staines, 1990).  This species is apparently native to the eastern United States, and the Caribbean records may represent introductions (Ratcliffe and Cave, 2008).

Official Control: Dyscinetus morator is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution:  Dyscinetus morator is not known to occur in California.

California Interceptions:  Dyscinetus morator has been intercepted on a variety of items, including nursery stock, from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and possibly other states.  This beetle was found inside a warehouse in Alameda County in 1999 (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).

The risk Dyscinetus morator would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Dyscinetus morator is widely distributed in the eastern United States and the Caribbean, which suggests it has broad climatic tolerances and could establish over a large portion of California. This beetle is reported to feed on a wide variety of plants, including many crops and ornamentals, and would likely find suitable host plants over a large portion of California.  Therefore, Dyscinetus morator 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: Dyscinetus morator has been reported to feed on a wide variety of plants in at least eight families. 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: Dyscinetus morator flies to light in large numbers (Woodruff, 1999).  Larvae of morator have been found in potted juniper plants, so it is possible that this beetle could be artificially dispersed through movement of potted nursery plants (Price and Kring, 1991).  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: Dyscinetus morator is known to cause significant damage to crop plants in certain situations.  If this beetle became established in California, it could reduce yield and increase production costs of many different crops.  The presence of this species in nurseries could trigger the loss of markets, as the larvae could occur in soil in potted plants.  Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

Economic Impact:  A, B, C

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: 3

– 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: Dyscinetus morator is reported to attack crop and ornamental plants. If this species became established in California, it could trigger treatment programs in agricultural settings as well as in ornamental settings, including nurseries and gardens.  This species feeds on a wide variety of plants and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.  This beetle could invade natural California ecosystems and attack native plants. 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, 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.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

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 Dyscinetus morator: High (14)

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Dyscinetus morator 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: High (14)

Uncertainty:

There appears to be little uncertainty regarding the potential for this beetle to become established in California.  Even though this beetle is often very abundant and has been reported to feed on and cause significant damage to a wide variety of crop and ornamental plants in certain situations, its significance as a pest seems to be restricted in time and space.  This could be because this species is native to most of the area that it is known to occur in and is being controlled by natural enemies (predators and parasitoids).  If this species was introduced to California, it may escape the natural enemies present in the eastern United States.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Dyscinetus morator is a highly polyphagous plant-feeding beetle that is not known to occur in California.  If it became established in California, it could have severe economic and environmental impacts.  For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

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References:

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

Foster, R. E., Smith, J. P., Cherry, R. H., and Hall, D.G.  1986.  Dyscinetus morator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) as a pest of carrots and radishes in Florida 69:431-432.

Jäch, M. A. and Balke, M.  2008.  Global diversity of water beetles (Coleoptera) in freshwater.  Hydrobiologia 595:419-442.

Parys, K. A., Gimmel, M. L., and Johnson, S. J.  2013.  Checklist of insects associated with Salvinia minima Baker in Louisiana, USA.  CheckList 9:1488-1495.

Price, J. F. and Kring, J. B.  1991.  Dyscinetus morator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) flight activity, food plant acceptance, damage and control in caladium.  Florida Entomologist 74:415-421.

Ratcliffe, B. C. and Cave, R. D.  2008.  The Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of the Bahamas with a description of a new species of Cyclocephala from Great Inagua Island.  Papers in Entomology 105:1-10.

Ritcher, P. O.  1958.  Biology of Scarabaeidae.  Annual Review of Entomology 3:311-334.

Staines, C. L.  1990.  Dyscinetus morator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) feeding on roots of azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) 101:98.

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

Woodruff, R. E.  1999.  Rice beetle, Dyscinetus morator (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).  EENY-102.  Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

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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

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Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/25/18 – 8/09/18

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*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.

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Pest Rating: A

 

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Posted by ls 

California Pest Rating  for

Sugarcane Beetle | Euetheola humilis rugiceps (LeConte)

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae

Pest Rating: A

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PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Euetheola humilis rugiceps is currently Q-rated.  A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background:  Adult sugarcane beetles are black and approximately 1.5 cm in length.  Larvae are white, C-shaped grubs that live underground (Hammond, 2002).  Adults feed underground on roots and stems of a variety of plants, including corn, sorghum, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, rice, and turfgrass.  This causes significant economic damage to these crops, especially sweet potato and corn (Billeisen and Brandenburg, 2014; Guagliumi, 1960; Smith et al., 2015).  For example, losses of up to 30% of corn plants have been reported, and damage to sweet potatoes in Louisiana was over $1 million in 2010 (Smith et al., 2015).  Adult beetles were reported to attack the trunks of young eucalyptus trees in Brazil, resulting in the death of some trees (Bernardi et al., 2008).  The larvae are suspected to feed on decomposing organic matter and roots.  Damage to the roots of rice plants was reported, but some have suggested that damage to live roots is incidental to feeding on decomposing organic matter (Buntin, 2012; Fritz et al., 2008; Hammond, 2000).  Adult feeding is considered more economically-significant than larval feeding (Catchot, 2013).

The taxonomic history of this beetle is complex (Billeisen and Brandenburg, 2014).  Ratcliffe and Cave (2006) recognized Euetheola humilis (Burmeister) as a valid species and Ligyrus rugiceps LeConte as a synonym.  The sugarcane beetle has been referred to by several names, including Eutheola rugiceps (LeConte), Eutheola humilus (Burmeister), and Euetheola humilis (Burmeister) (note the difference in the spelling of the genus).  Some workers have recognized two separate entities: the subspecies E. humilis Burmeister, in Arizona, Mexico, Central America, and South America, and E. humilis rugiceps LeConte, in the southeastern United States (Hardy, 1991; Smith, 2008).  In this proposal, biological information that was attributed in references to beetles referred to by the names Euetheola humilis and E. rugiceps, (including any subspecies recognized in such references) was considered.

Worldwide Distribution:  The origin of the sugarcane beetle is not known.  However, it was found in the United States as early as 1856, and it is possible that it is native to the entirety of its current distribution (Billeisen and Brandenburg, 2014).  The sugarcane beetle is present in the southeastern United States, southeastern Mexico, Central America (including Panama), and South America (including Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela) (Billeisen and Brandenburg, 2014).

Official Control: Euetheola humilis rugiceps is not known to be under official control anywhere.

California Distribution:  Euetheola humilis rugiceps is not known to be present in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).

California Interceptions:  Euetheola humilis rugiceps was intercepted at border stations on squash and in a trailer from Arkansas and Georgia (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).

The risk Euetheola humilis rugiceps would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The sugarcane beetle has a broad climatic tolerance. It occurs from the southeastern United States south to Argentina, where it is exposed to temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates.  This beetle feeds on a wide variety of plants, including grasses.  The species could become established over a large portion of California, although probably not in colder, mountainous or northern areas.  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: The sugarcane beetle is reported to feed on at least three families of 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 Reproductive and Dispersal Potential: The sugarcane beetle 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: The sugarcane beetle is a pest of many different crops, including corn and sweet potatoes, which are grown in California.  If this beetle became established in California, it could attack these crops, which could lower crop yield and increase 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: 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 sugarcane beetle damages a wide variety of plants through adult and larval feeding. The species could impact native California plants, and as a result, disrupt natural communities.  The feeding on eucalyptus trees by adult sugarcane beetles, reported by Bernardi et al. (2008), demonstrates that trees, and not only food crops and grasses, can be impacted by this beetle.  In addition, if this beetle became a pest in agricultural, ornamental, or residential settings, it 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: A, 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: 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 sugarcane beetle: 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: The sugarcane beetle 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 (12)

Uncertainty:

The sugarcane beetle is widely distributed in the southeastern United States.  Yet, it has not yet become established in California.  This may indicate that the climate of California is not appropriate for this species.  There are native plants in California to which the sugarcane beetle has not been exposed yet in its current range.  The establishment of this beetle in California could have significant environmental impacts in the state not seen in its current range.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

The sugarcane beetle is a reported pest of many crops, some of which are grown in California.  It is not known to be present in California, but it appears that the climate in this state would be conducive to the establishment of this beetle.  If it became established here, the sugarcane beetle could have economic and environmental impacts.  For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.

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References:

Bernardi, O., Garcia, M. S., Da Cunha, U. S., Back, E. C. U., Bernardi, D., Ramiro, G. A., and Finkenauer, E.  2008.  Ocorrência de Euetheola humilis (Burmeister) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) em Eucalyptus saligna Smith (Myrtaceae), no Rio Grande do Sul.  Neotropical Entomology 37:100-103.

Billeisen, T. L. and Brandenburg, R. L.  2014.  Biology and management of the sugarcane beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in turfgrass.  Journal of Integrated Pest Management 5:1-5.

Buntin, G. D.  2012.  Grain sorghum insect pests and their management.  University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Bulletin no. 1283.

Catchot, A.  2013.  Have a plan for managing sugarcane beetles in field corn.  Mississippi State University Extension.  Accessed January 12, 2018:

Have a Plan for Managing Sugarcane Beetles in Field Corn

Fritz, L. L., Heinrichs, E. A., Pandolfo, M., Martins de Salles, S., Vargas de Oliveira, J., and Fiuza, L. M.  2008.  Agroecossistemas orizícolas irrigados: Insetos-praga, inmigos naturais e manejo integrado.  Oecologia Brasiliensis 12:720-732.

Guagliumi, P.  1960.  Actual situation of entomology of sugar cane in Venezuela. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists (10th Congress, Hawaii, 1959):1000-1010.

Hammond, A. M.  2002. Sugarcane beetle, Euetheola rugiceps (LeConte), Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera.  Publication 2892.  Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.

Smith, A. B. T.  2008.  Checklist of the Scarabaeoidea of the Nearctic Realm. Version 3.

The University of Nebraska State Museum.  Accessed: March 29, 2018:  http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologypapers/3

Smith, T. P., Beuzelin, J. M., Catchot, A. L., Murillo, A. C., and Kerns, D. L.  2015.  Biology, ecology, and management of the sugarcane beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in sweetpotato and corn.  Journal of Integrated Pest Management 6:1-6.

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network.  Accessed March 29, 2018: http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu

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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

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Comment Period:* CLOSED

6/25/18 – 8/09/18

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*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.

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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.

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Pest Rating: A

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Posted by ls 

California Pest Rating for

Chlorophorus strobilicola Champion: Slender-banded Pine Cone Longhorn Beetle

Coleoptera: Cerambycidae

Pest Rating: A

 

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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

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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

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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.

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Pest Rating: A

 

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Posted by ls