People are asked to look out for the Citrus longhorn beetle following separate findings of them in imported Chinese maple trees (Acers) in Britain, one in Lancashire and others in the south of England.

The beetle is large (21-37mm long) and black, with distinct white markings and long “horns” or antennae. The antennae are longer than the body and are black with white bands. It could be found on a wide range of trees or shrubs
Anybody finding one should contact their local Plant Health & Seeds Inspector or Forestry Commission office, details of which can be found on the Defra and Forestry Commission websites - www.defra.gov.uk and www.forestry.gov.uk/contacts.
The citrus longhorn beetle () originates in China. It has occasionally been intercepted in the UK – one was found emerging from a bonsai Acer. Other EU member states have eported findings – the beetles were found damaging trees in the Netherlands and there is a major outbreak in the Lombardia region of Italy.
The beetle has been detected emerging from imported Chinese Acers in protected cultivation. The PHSI is taking action to detect and eradicate this pest.
The adult lays eggs into the bark of trees and the larva develops inside the tree, taking one to three years to emerge as an adult. Although most have been captured inside the housing, some have been found outside. However, experts advise that the beetle equires warmer conditions than are normally found in the UK to establish permanently.
The beetle is listed in Plant Health legislation; anyone moving material containing the beetle within the UK or European Union would be committing an offence.