Feeding and Oviposition Preferences of the Invasive Rusty-Spotted Longhorn Beetle, Apriona swainsoni（Coleoptera: Cerambycidae）, in Japan

Abstract

The rusty-spotted longhorn beetle, Apriona swainsoni（Hope）（Coleoptera: Cerambycidae）, an invasive species expanding its distribution in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, has caused significant damage to the native legume tree, Maachia amurensis. In this study, we assessed the potential risks to 10 legume and other tree species as possible hosts in Japan based on adult feeding preferences for twigs. We identified two additional tree species—Wisteria floribunda and Robinia pseudoacacia—as potential hosts, along with M. amurensis and Styphnolobium japonicum, which have already been infested. Furthermore, in the oviposition preference test using logs, some A. swainsoni females laid egg mounds on W. floribunda and R. pseudoacacia, although far less frequently than on M. amurensis and S. japonicum. Hatching larvae perforated all four tree species. Field surveys have not shown any evidence of feeding damage to W. floribunda and R. pseudoacacia at this time, but continuous monitoring is needed to assess any potential changes in the beetle’s feeding habits.