Establishment of Sinoxylon anale Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in Brazil and its potential implications

Resumo

Bostrichidae (Coleoptera) are a family of beetles with specialized xylophagous feeding habits that allow consumption of dry woody plant tissues. Bostrichids are often polyphagous and therefore pose a significant threat to many agricultural and forestry products, particularly in tropical regions. Bostrichids are commonly detected in solid wood packaging material at international ports of entry. Notably, Sinoxylon anale Lesne has been intercepted in wood crates and pallets worldwide and has now become established in Brazil. This paper reports the first documented establishment of S. anale in Brazil, being found both in domestic wood pallets and within native forest and monoculture. The origin of these populations remains uncertain, but introductions through infested wood packaging at ports of entry is a likely scenario. Similarly, the exact time of establishment is unknown. Given that S. anale adults are attracted to light and ethanol, trapping using light or ethanol could be used in monitoring surveys. This species typically infests dead or decaying woody material, and therefore does not pose a direct threat to healthy, live trees. Although more common in tropical regions, S. anale has exhibited some adaptability to temperate climates, which may allow it to spread across the tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil and potentially to other parts of South America.