
Trees face huge challenges
With more new pests and diseases reaching our shores tackling pests and diseases is now an urgent priority
Learn about the threatsOriginally from China, this beetle poses a serious threat to a wide range of our native broadleaved trees.
Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a native of China and the Korean peninsula but as the climate warms it is possible that it could gain a foothold in the south of England.
This distinctive large beetle (about 20-40 mm long and shiny black with variable white markings) was first spotted in England in March 2012 in the Paddock Wood area near Maidstone in Kent. This was a breeding population that had been introduced on wood packaging material that was used to import slate from China.
Rapid action was taken by FERA and 2166 host trees were removed and no further sightings of the beetle have been confirmed since. Surveillance has been increased at ports since this outbreak but vigilance needs to be maintained because this beetle would prove extremely damaging to many of our deciduous species.
If you think you’ve spotted this disease please inform the Forestry Commission using the Tree Alert reporting tool. Three good-quality digital photographs are required to aid identification.
For more information visit the Forestry Commission.