According to the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture (LfL), five male beetles were recently caught in monitoring traps placed in the area. The beetle was first discovered in Bavaria last year, also in Lindau. So far, authorities have managed to prevent the species from establishing a permanent population. Officials are now calling on the public to help keep it that way.
Over 80 Traps Installed Across Bavaria with No Visible Crop Damage Yet
To monitor the beetle’s spread, the LfL has set up over 80 traps across Bavaria, concentrating on regions considered at high risk. So far, the agency has reported no visible damage to plants. Despite this, the situation remains tense. The European Commission ranks the Japanese beetle among the most dangerous invasive pests currently threatening the continent.
A Voracious Pest with a Taste for Over 400 Plant Species
Native to East Asia, the Japanese beetle is classified as a high-priority quarantine pest under European Union regulations and must be reported immediately if found. It reproduces rapidly and can quickly form large populations. Its feeding habits make it particularly destructive: more than 400 plant species are known to be part of its diet, including fruit trees, grapevines, maize, ornamental plants, and hardwood trees such as maple, birch, and linden.
Skeletonized Plants and Underground Damage
Adult beetles feed on the leaves of many plants, often leaving only the veins and stems behind. This “skeletonization” can lead to serious damage in gardens, agricultural areas, and forests. The beetle’s larvae are also harmful, attacking grass roots, especially in moist meadows and irrigated lawns, weakening entire turf systems.
Tourists Identified as Potential Carriers
Regions with high volumes of tourist travel are particularly at risk. The beetle is already established in parts of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, and the German Ministry of Agriculture has urged travelers to be cautious when returning from these regions. Tourists are advised to thoroughly inspect their luggage before re-entering Germany and are discouraged from bringing back plants, soil, seeds, or turf.
No Permanent Colonies Yet, But the Threat Is Growing
Although the Japanese beetle is not yet established in Germany, sightings in Freiburg, along the German-Swiss border, and now again in Lindau suggest the pest is spreading. Experts at the LfL warn that permanent settlement could occur soon if monitoring and public awareness efforts are not maintained.
Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant—especially during the holiday season—and to report any suspected sightings.
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