Rare Invasive Bug Intercepted At Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, MI — Officials intercepted a rare invasive bug on undeclared cargo late last year at Detroit Metro Airport.

Officials found the half inch-long insects, known as Orsillus maculates, were discovered among fresh cypress cones that a passenger from Jordan was carrying for medicinal purposes, according to officials.

This is just the third time officials have intercepted the non-native insect known to feed on conifer cones. The only other time officials caught the pest was in Dallas in 1998 and Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2018.

In Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, direct feeding on cypress seeds has been shown to cause significant damage to cypress plantations and stands.

Additionally, the bugs carry fungal spores on their bodies, which spread as they move about. While their preferred host is cypress, they have been observed on other conifer species.

In the Midwest, cypress and other conifer species are important because they reduce erosion, flooding, increase water quality, provide refuge for wildlife, and have ornamental and timber value, according to officials.

The bugs’ ability to feed on multiple hosts coupled with its ability to transfer pathogenic spores makes it a potential threat to native conifer trees that have low genetic resistance to non-native pests like this and the pathogens they may carry, according to officials.

"This was an excellent discovery by our CBP agriculture specialists," said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. "We must be cognizant of all threats in the border environment, large and small."