China intercepts invasive beetle species

Authorities in north China’s Hebei Province have intercepted a live invasive beetle found in a shipment of goat skins from New Zealand. This is the first time the species have been detected and seized in China, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Heteronychus arator, commonly known as the African black beetle, is native to Africa and has invaded New Zealand and Australia.

The beetle mainly feeds on ryegrass and may damage crops such as corn, potatoes, grapes, pineapples and sugarcane, posing threats to the local environment and agriculture. It so far has no distribution in Asia. The Entry-Exit Inspection and Qurantine Bureau has taken proper measures to deal with the species and said it would strengthen inspection of containers, electromechanical equipment, raw skins and wooden crates to prevent the invasion of non-indigenous species.