A male and female Japanese beetle were captured in Cannes on June 18 as part of an official surveillance programme for harmful organisms, marking the first confirmed detection of the invasive species in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, was first detected in France this year in the Doubs region before being identified in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The insect is considered one of the most destructive plant pests in the world, capable of damaging more than 300 species of plants, including vines, fruit trees, ornamental plants and market garden crops.
The detection in Cannes, confirmed by France 3 Régions on Tuesday, raises concerns for the Alpes-Maritimes, which has significant horticultural and wine production interests. Authorities are urging residents to report any sightings through the official surveillance channels and to avoid moving plants or soil between regions.
Source: France 3 Régions Alpes-Maritimes