Major damage possible: Japanese beetle found – pest confirmed for the first time in Bavaria

Major damage possible
Japanese beetle found – pest confirmed for the first time in Bavaria

The Japanese beetle can cause great damage to ornamental and crop plants. Near Lindau, for the first time in A specimen of the animal known in technical jargon as Popillia japonica was found in Bavaria. According to the State Office for Agriculture (LfL), the beetle got caught in an animal trap on the A96 motorway that contained attractants. The pest is reportable and the discovery has now been officially confirmed. Japanese beetles had previously been found in Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg.

The beetle can feed on more than 400 host plants, the LfL said. These include grapevines, berries, lawns, corn and soy, but also landscape trees such as linden and birch trees and ornamental plants such as roses and wisteria.

In order to monitor the occurrence of the beetle in Bavaria, the LfL set up traps in several regions. Checks around the site near Lindau did not reveal any further evidence, such as damage from feeding, of the presence of the Japanese beetle.

The trap was placed on the A96 to catch beetles travelling from infested areas in Switzerland or Italy as close to the border as possible. The nearest known smaller infestation site in Zurich is more than 100 kilometres as the crow flies from the site.

It can be assumed that Japanese beetles can spread 1.5 to 5 kilometers per year without activity. The beetle that was caught is therefore likely to be a single beetle that had traveled with the beetle, according to the LfL. However, further traps have been set up around the site where it was found.

Citizens who see Japanese beetles are asked to report this to the state agency. The agency has information and photos on its website showing how the beetle can be identified and how it can be confused with native, harmless beetles.

Notice Identification features of Japanese beetles

dpa