Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on the 11th of July 2023 confirmed the identification of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in a field in Kent.

APHA are working closely with the affected grower to eradicate the pest from the site, including performing a 1km survey to determine whether there are further cases beyond the immediately infested area.

Colorado beetle, which has not been confirmed as present in the UK since 1977, is endemic in large parts of Europe, and is able to significantly impact potato crops - larvae can strip the foliage from plants if left uncontrolled.

For more information, please see the following article on the Government Website.

Image Credit: Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) - C. Trouvé, Service de la Protection des Végétaux, Bugwood.org