Fukui Prefecture reports first sighting of invasive red-necked longhorn beetle

Fukui Prefecture has announced the first sighting of the red-necked longhorn beetle (Kubiaka Tsuyakamikiri) in the Hokuriku region. An adult male was discovered in a plum orchard in Ooi Town on August 18.

This invasive species, native to China and Vietnam, is known to damage trees such as cherry, plum, and peach by having larvae feed on the interior of the wood, which can lead to the death of the tree. The beetle has been identified in 22 prefectures across Japan since its first discovery in Aichi Prefecture in 2012.

In response to the spread of this pest, local authorities are taking action. In Kinokawa City, training sessions are being organized to teach citizens and stakeholders how to identify and control the species to protect local fruit crops and ornamental trees.