Scientific name: Xylosandrus compactus

Size: 0,8-1,9 mm

Origin: South-eastern Asia

Name (ES): Escarabajo negro de la ambrosía

Description:

Detected in the Balearic Islands in 2019.

This polyphagous beetle is associated with fungi, digging galleries into branches to house the fungal symbionts it carries which its larvae feed on. The result is weakened and dried-out trees. It can infest a wide variety of woody plants and economically important crops. Its impact on carob (Ceratonia siliqua) stands out.

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Scientific name: Conotrachelus nenuphar

Size: 4-7 mm

Origin: North America (eastern US and Canada)

Name (ES): Curculiónido del ciruelo

Description:

Adult females cause the greatest damage when laying eggs in the fruit. When the eggs hatch, larvae begin to feed on fruit, boring to the seed, while adults feed on tender shoots. The damage causes the fruit to grow irregularly, leading to smaller sizes, deformation or premature dropping.

_{Image author: James Walgenwach}

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Scientific name: Anthonomus eugenii

Size: 3 mm

Origin: Mexico

Name (ES): Gorgojo del pimiento

Description:

Large pest of multiple pepper species and other plants in the Solanaceae family, such as the potato or tomato. The infestation of the fruit occurs when females pierce the skin of the immature fruit or stem to lay and arrange the eggs. The larvae develop and feed on the inner tissue, eventually causing damage to the seed, premature dropping of the fruit or disease in the plant.

It was eradicated in the Netherlands in 2013 and Italy in 2020.

_{Image author: David G Riley}

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