CBP intercepts several unusual pests

A first-in-nation pest and four different pests new to the Delaware Valley were intercepted at the Port of Philadelphia, while another new pest was found at Port Everglades.    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted a first-in-nation pest at the Port of Philadelphia, four pests new to the Delaware Valley at the Port of Philadelphia and one pest new to Port Everglades, CBP said.
   The first-in-nation Steirastoma histrionica (Cerambycidae), which is a species of longhorn beetles, was discovered inside a container of Costa Rican melons at the Port of Philadelphia March 17, 2014 and was officially identified Sept. 21. Longhorn beetles pose a threat to coniferous and deciduous forests, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
   Several pests new to the Delaware Valley have also been discovered at the Port of Philadelphia including:

• A Parandra (Cerambycidae), which is a species of wood borers, was discovered inside wood dunnage supporting steel coils and steel plates from Brazil May 20. Wood boring members of the family Cerambycidae are pests of coniferous and deciduous forests worldwide.
• A Donus zoilus (Curculionidae), which is a species of clover leaf weevils, was discovered inside a shipment of Costa Rican pineapples Sept. 15. Clover leaf beetles are pests of clover and alfalfa.
• A Limnobaris calandriformis (Cucurlionidae), which is a species of true weevils, was also discovered inside a shipment of Costa Rican pineapples Sept. 15. True weevils, which are pests of palms, have been suggested as a possible vector of red-ring disease.
• A Paulinia (Acrididae), which is a species of grasshopper, was discovered inside a shipment of Colombian pineapples Sept. 21. Species of Acrididae, which pose a major threat to prairies, primarily feed off of grains, pasture and vegetable crops.

   “The shipment of Costa Rica melons and Brazilian steel were re-exported. The three pineapple shipments were fumigated and released to distributors in Florida,” CBP said in a statement.
   In addition, CBP officers at Port Everglades intercepted a Gypona Sp. (Cicadellidae) Oct. 5 inside a shipment of Persian limes from Guatemala, the first time discovering this specific type of pest at the port. Species from the family Cicadellidae, which are also referred to as “leafhoppers,” are known to rob plants of vital nutrients and transmit viruses, bacteria and other pathogens from plant to plant. The container of limes was sealed pending quarantine action. 
   “On a typical day nationally, CBP agriculture specialists inspect over 1 million people as well as air and sea cargo imported to the United States and intercept 4,447 prohibited meat, plant materials or animal products, including 425 agriculture pests and diseases,” CBP said.