Bark beetle intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport is major threat to agriculture industry

article

The Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers, a bark beetle species found in a prohibited species of bark, was seized at DTW this year. Photo via U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

(FOX 2) - Smaller than a centimeter and capable of destroying trees, a potentially destructive species of beetle almost made its way into the U.S. earlier this year.

The bark beetle was found within a prohibited species of bark carried by a passenger traveling from Africa and through Detroit Metro Airport. The individual was in transit to Texas.

Big picture view:

United States Customs and Border Protection made the interception in February when someone flying from the Ivory Coast was traveling with a partially dry bark.

The bark was for medicinal purposes and was found during a routine inspection. 

Agricultural specialists with CBP identified a beetle only 3 millimeters within the bark. The beetle species, confirmed on Oct. 16, is Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers.

This is the first time the species has been intercepted at a U.S. port of entry.

Dig deeper:

A news release from CBP said the bark and beetle were seized for further analysis while the passenger was released without further incident.

"This first-time bark beetle interception is significant because many species are tree-destroying pests," said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. "This type of discovery highlights the exceptional work of our CBP agriculture specialists."

What are bark beetles?

Bark beetle species are known to tunnel beneath bark and excavate material from the tree for their larvae. 

But the Ctonoxylon tunnels and breeds within the bark layers. The species is known to feed on fig and olive trees.

If the pest established itself within the country, it could cause significant harm to the agricultural economy in regions where figs and olives are grown. 

"Big threats can come in small packages, and our agriculture specialists work diligently to protect our agriculture and natural resources against dangers of all shapes and sizes," said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon.