UK: Confirmation of the Colorado Potato Beetle in Hampshire

After the APHA confirmed the discovery of a single adult Colorado potato beetle in Hampshire, the public was urged to exercise caution.

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), a single adult beetle discovered in Hampshire, was recognized as such by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Following laboratory examination of samples collected by APHA's Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate, confirmation was obtained.

This comes after an unrelated outbreak of the beetle earlier this week in the Kent region. Following a citizen's report in Hampshire, there has been confirmation. The Colorado bug was removed, and APHA will carry out surveys in nearby gardens, potato fields, and land to make sure no additional Colorado beetles are present.

Colorado potato beetles pose a serious threat to potato crops if they are not eliminated. If left unchecked, the adult beetles and larvae can defoliate potatoes and other plants in the nightshade family by feeding on their leaf. They do not pose a risk to either human or animal health, though.

“Following a report by a vigilant member of the public, our experts have identified the presence of a single adult Colorado beetle in Hampshire. The beetle was swiftly removed by the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and there is no evidence to suggest this finding is connected to the outbreak in Kent,” UK Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola Spence, summed up.