Ambrosia beetle - Megaplatypus mutatus
Effective: April 2, 2013
Taxonomic Position: Coleoptera : Curculionidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): INBNADA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Exotic Wood Borer / Bark Beetle
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3071
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/INBNADA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Apple; Walnut
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Ambrosia beetles feed on wood and fungi and carry their associated fungi with them to new host material. This species carries a Raffaelea spp.; identified as Raffaelea santoroi. Although the fungus is not harmful to the tree, the growth on the gallery walls discolors the wood, giving it a blackish color. Wood quality can be reduced by the presence of ambrosia fungi.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Trap | 34 - Cross Vane Panel Trap, Translucent | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for woodborers or bark beetles, separate traps with different lure combinations by at least 30 meters (98 feet).
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 71 | Megaplatypus mutatus Lure | see notes | 28 days | Sulcatone 3-pentanol Sulcatol |
|---|
Lure Attachment:
IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.
Lure Notes:
Dispenser: each lure unit will contain the three attractants. Depending on the supplier, all three attractants may be delivered in one dispenser or separately, as a series of polysleeves or bubble caps.
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological.
Mistaken Identities:
This species could be confused with other ambrosia beetles. The genus Megaplatypus does not occur in North America.
References
- Carrier, N. C. and K. DiVito. 2015. Cross Vane Panel Trap Modification Protocol.
- Wood, S. L. 1993. Revision of the genera of Platypodidae (Coleoptera). Great Basin Nat. 53: 259–281.
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.