THE Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed the first finding in Ireland of a non-European bark beetle known as the Monterey pine engraver (Pseudips mexicanus).

As part of the department’s ongoing national surveys, a total of 93 beetles have been found in six traps in forest locations in a confined area in Co. Clare.

The insects were found in dedicated traps which have been used by the department for many years as part of annual bark beetle surveys.

There were no findings of the beetle made on the trees and the department found no evidence of any breeding insects or damage caused by the species.

Laboratory tests have shown that the beetles found in Clare are of Mexican origin and investigations into how the insect came into the country are ongoing.

In a letter to all registered foresters and stakeholders, the department said that the Monterey pine engraver is “not thought to be a pest of economic significance for Ireland”.

“Its finding will not affect the movement of Irish spruce logs and timber and other non-pine species,” DAFM said.

The Monterey pine engraver is naturally found in a range from Alaska to Central America and is found exclusively in pine species.

The department said that the beetle is “not considered an aggressive pest in its natural range and is typically regarded as a secondary pest of stressed, dead or dying trees”.