U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport recently intercepted two insect pests in a shipment of cut-stem flowers from South Africa. The discovery, made on October 7, included a first-in-port find and another species not seen locally for four decades.
The shipment contained 188 protea and chamelaucium flowers destined for King George County, Virginia. CBP routinely inspects flower imports to prevent the entry of pests that could harm U.S. agricultural resources.
Specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entomologist who identified them as Caprhiobia sp. (Lygaeidae) and Oxycarenus maculatus, known as the Protea seed bug. Both insects are native to Africa.
Caprhiobia sp., a plant bug from South Africa, is noted for its destructive impact on vegetation. This interception marked its first reported occurrence in the region, according to the national pest identifier database.
Oxycarenus maculatus poses significant risks to crop industries such as corn, grains, cotton, and vegetables. It had not been detected locally since November 1984.
Marc Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington, D.C., stated: "Invasive insect pests pose a severe threat to our agricultural industries and to our nation’s economic security." He emphasized CBP's role in protecting natural resources from invasive threats.
CBP agriculture specialists undergo extensive training in biological sciences and inspect numerous international passengers and cargo daily. In the previous year alone, they seized thousands of prohibited items and intercepted hundreds of insect pests at U.S. ports of entry.
The CBP border security mission is led by officers and agriculture specialists who screen travelers and cargo for various illicit items that may endanger public safety or economic stability.
Further information about CBP activities can be found at www.CBP.gov or through their social media channels.
