Rare insects found in South African flower shipment at Dulles Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport intercepted two rare insects in a shipment of flowers from South Africa, officials announced Monday.
The discovery marks a significant moment for the agency, as one pest was a first-ever find at the port, while the other hadn’t been observed locally in 40 years.
When and where were the bugs discovered?
The bugs were discovered on Oct. 7 during an inspection of 188 protea and chamelaucium cut-stem flowers destined for an address in King George County, Virginia.
The flowers underwent routine inspection, a standard practice to protect the nation’s agricultural and environmental resources from potentially destructive species.
Specialists then sent the specimens to U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologists, who identified the insects as Caprhiobia sp. (Lygaeidae) and Oxycarenus maculatus, also known as the Protea seed bug.
Both species are native to Africa.
What is the Caprhiobia sp. bug?
Caprhiobia sp. is a plant bug with a reputation for its voracious appetite and ability to cause extensive damage to vegetation. The USDA confirmed it as a first-in-port discovery, meaning this particular pest had never been reported at Dulles before.
The Oxycarenus maculatus pest, commonly referred to as the Protea seed bug, poses a serious threat to crops such as corn, grains, cotton, and vegetables. USDA records show this pest had not been seen in the region since November 1984.
"Invasive insect pests pose a severe threat to our agricultural industries and to our nation’s economic security," said Marc Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. "Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists remain steadfast on our nation’s frontline, protecting our natural and agricultural resources from invasive pests and plants, and from animal and plant diseases that could cripple our nation’s economy."
The interception highlights the critical role CBP plays in safeguarding U.S. agriculture by identifying and stopping invasive species before they can establish themselves and cause harm.
The Source: This article is based on information from Mid-Atlantic Region