Potentially Destructive African Bark Beetle Intercepted​ At Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, MI — A potentially destructive bark beetle was intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport earlier this year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Officials said the Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers, or an African bark beetle, was found in a traveler's belongings during a routine inspection in February. The 3-millimeter-long bug was within a piece of partially dry tree bark from the Ivory Coast and meant for medicinal purposes, officials said.

This is the first time U.S. officials have ever intercepted the beetle, officials said.

Unlike many bark beetle species, which tunnel beneath bark and excavate galleries for their larvae, Ctonoxylon tunnel and breed within bark layers, officials said.

Although research on this type of bark beetle is limited, several of the known species are reported to feed on fig and olive trees. Officials fear the beetle could cause significant agricultural and economic damage in regions that grow them, such as Texas, which was the destination for the traveler.

"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.

Officials seized the beetle for further analysis, while the passenger was released without further incident.