Damage by invasive beetles confirmed for 1st time in west Japan pref.

WAKAYAMA -- The prefectural government here in western Japan announced on Dec. 25 that it had confirmed damage induced by invasive red-necked longhorn beetles for the first time in the area.

Several peach and prune trees in the prefectural town of Katsuragi are dying after being eaten by red-necked longhorn larvae, according to the Wakayama Prefectural Government.

The red-necked longhorn beetle, designated by the national government as an Invasive Alien Species, inhabits China, Mongolia and other Asian countries, and its adults are about 2.5 to 4 centimeters long. The insect's neck is red and the male has antennas that can grow longer than its body. The insect lays eggs on trees belonging to the rose family, such as cherry trees, and their larvae eats the inside of trees and kills them.

In July 2017, an adult red-necked longhorn beetle was caught in the town of Katsuragi.

(Japanese original by Nao, Goto, Wakayama Bureau)