Monterey Pine Engraver (Pseudips mexicanus) discovered in Co Clare

On 12th December 2023 the Department announced a finding of a non-European bark beetle Pseudips mexicanus known as the Monterey Pine Engraver. As part of the Department’s ongoing national surveys Pseudips mexicanus were found in six traps in forest locations in a confined area in Co. Clare.

This beetle is not thought to be a pest of economic significance for Ireland and its finding will not affect the movement of Irish spruce logs and timber and other non-pine species. The Monterey Pine Engraver is naturally found in a range from Alaska to Central America and is found exclusively in pine (Pinus) species.

Since these findings intensive surveys within the 10km demarcated Area have continued resulting in one further finding of a Pseudips mexicanus beetle in a dead pine tree in very close proximity to one of the traps. This is the first finding of the beetle which was not in a trap.

Although Monterey Pine Engraver is not specifically named in legislation, all non-European Scolytinae (bark beetles) are treated as Union Quarantine Pests (UQP) under the Plant Heath Regulation 2016/2031 Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 in Annex II Part A, regardless of the level of threat associated with a particular species. Member States must follow certain procedures set out in the Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031 on the confirmation of a UQP including the establishment of a demarcated area. Accordingly, the Department has established the Monterey Pine Engraver Demarcated Area, with a radius of 10km from the traps where beetles were captured.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Department has developed a series of frequently asked questions on the discovery of the Monterey Pine Engraver.

FAQ Monterey Pine Engraver 02/02/2024

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Monterey Pine Engraver Factsheet

The Department’s Plant Science Division’s Pest Risk Analysis Unit (PRAU) have developed summary factsheets on a range of plant pests including a factsheet on Monterey Pine Engraver.

Monterey Pine Engraver Circular to Registered Foresters

Registered foresters were informed of the finding through a circular to the trade issued on 14th December 2023 - Circular 26/2023 - Findings of Monterey pine engraver (Pseudips mexicanus)

Update 02/02/2024 of TN FH-05/2023 Finding of Monterey Pine Engraver

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TN FH-05/2023 Finding of Monterey Pine Engraver

Pseudips mexicanus – technical note on finding in County Clare

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Demarcated area

The Department has established a demarcated area with a radius of 10km from the traps where the engravers were captured. A map of the area is available below.

Cratloe Demarcated Area

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Further questions, suspected sighting?

Any questions in relation to this notice may be directed to the following email address: pseudips@agriculture.gov.ie