Japan looks to clamp down on spread of invasive beetle species

The government has outlined a draft strategy for combating the red-necked longhorn beetle, designated as an invasive alien species that damages fruits and roadside trees, sources said Wednesday. Setting a goal of stopping the insect from proliferating and reducing the affected areas by 2030, the outline calls on the government to provide technical and financial support to local governments to substantially strengthen countermeasures. The strategy is expected to be finalized by a relevant central government task force.

The red-necked longhorn beetle, native to East Asia, is about 30 millimeters long. In Japan, the beetle was found for the first time in 2012 in Aichi Prefecture. It is believed to have entered Japan via cargoes on ships bound for the country.

The insect has a high fertility rate, with a female adult laying more than 1,000 eggs in summer. The outline shows concerns about the impact on tourism, such as the beetle killing cherry blossom trees, on top of damage to fruits such as plums and peaches. Measures cited by the outline to curb the expansion of the beetle’s habitats include cutting down damaged trees, killing larvae and spraying pest control chemicals.

Prefectural governments were mainly asked to take these measures. The national government will develop control methods, dispatch experts to affected areas and extend sufficient financial aid. The state will also consider expanding support for measures to prevent the beetle’s habitats from expanding, as well as initial control measures.

In collaboration with universities and other research institutions, the government aims to develop trees that are less susceptible to damage and more effective chemicals against the instects. The outline advises 22 prefectures that have sustained damage from the beetle to draw up regional pest control plans promptly. These plans will include pest control targets, with municipalities taking charge of assessing damage, giving necessary advice and guidance to farmers, and raising awareness among local residents.

Unaffected prefectures are also asked to take action, such as compiling preemptive measures and steps that would allow them to swiftly detect signs of damage.