‘Potentially destructive’ bark beetle found at Detroit airport – first in US: border authorities
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection says a “potentially destructive” species of bark beetle found in Ivory Coast timber was intercepted at the Detroit airport.
The discovery was made in February, but authorities only announced the news on Thursday.
The approximately three-millimeter insect was discovered in partially dried bark brought for medicinal purposes during a routine inspection of a passenger flight to Texas. The passenger was released without incident.
In mid-October, the insect was identified as a Egger spinifer Ctonoxlyon.
Border officials say this is the first time the insect has been seized at a U.S. port of entry, according to their records.
“This first interception of bark beetles is significant because many species are tree-destroying pests,” port director Fadia Pastilong said in a statement.
“This type of discovery highlights the exceptional work of our CBP agriculture specialists. »
Although research on this type of bark beetle is limited, according to border authorities, several of the known species feed on fig and olive trees.
“Big threats can come in small packages,” said Mary C. Raybon, CBP director of field operations.
