For the first time, the dreaded Japanese beetle has been detected in continental Europe, in the northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. This invasive species has become one of the worst insect pests in the United States, after its introduction at the beginning of the last century. There it has been discovered on about 300 plant species, with particular preference for species such as birch, linden, apple, grape, rose, cherry, tomato, maize and grass. Because of the large number of plants that are traded from these Italian regions to the Netherlands without any checks, it is quite likely that the Japanese beetle will settle in the Netherlands. Nature lovers, fruit growers, landscape contractors and tree growers need to be extra alert.
In Italy, the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) was first noticed last year by a naturalist, after which it was also discovered in various wild plants and agricultural crops. Since it is a invasive species, the field was immediately placed under controlled supervision after the discovery. Many mating beetles were found. An average female lays 40 to 50 eggs per season. Eggs are laid on the roots of plants (mostly grasses). In warmer climates, it only takes one year to develop from egg to beetle. In cooler climates, there can be a two-year development period.
As the first site is located near two airports, it is suspected that they entered Italy via the transportation of plants. In the US, they apparently arrived by boat on the roots of iris plants. The Japanese beetle has spread so dramatically in the US and Canada that it has become a very serious pest in agriculture, floriculture and in gardens. According to the manual, lawn insects have long feared the appearance of this beetle in continental Europe. In the 50s, warning signs could be seen at Schiphol. At that point, none of the insects were detected.
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