Volunteers in the UK are actively searching for hitch-hiking bugs that pose a threat to the iconic plane trees lining streets and parks, particularly in London and other cities. The Woodland Trust has enlisted a team of “Observatree” volunteers to assist in tracking the presence of the plane lace bug, originally from North America and currently established in various parts of Europe.
This initiative follows the recent detection of the bug in the UK after an 18-year absence. The Forestry Commission linked the initial sighting to an outbreak on trees in central London, prompting volunteers to conduct surveys and report any additional sightings across the country to monitor the insect’s spread. Using binoculars, volunteers are on the lookout for the yellow discolouration along leaf veins caused by these bugs.
Experts from the Woodland Trust express serious concern over the bug’s potential impact, highlighting its ability to spread rapidly and inflict damage by feeding on the sap of plane trees. Weakened trees are particularly vulnerable, a likely scenario in urban environments like London where trees face various stressors. The bugs can weaken trees, leaving them susceptible to other pests and diseases, and in severe cases, in combination with fungal infections, may result in tree death.
Not only can the bugs be a nuisance in large numbers, landing on people in parks and invading homes, but they have also been known to bite individuals, causing mild rashes. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the plane lace bug made its way to the UK, with experts noting its adeptness at “hitch-hiking” on vehicles, clothing, or bags. The bug’s potential to quickly spread, as seen in other European countries, is a significant cause for concern.
Vicky Bolton, a citizen science officer at the Woodland Trust leading the Observatree volunteers, emphasised the bug’s attraction to weakened trees, especially prevalent in urban areas like London with a high density of plane trees. Encouraging public participation, she urged individuals to report any suspected findings of the plane lace bug. The Forestry Commission’s Andrea Deol highlighted the crucial role of volunteers in surveillance efforts and urged the public to report any potential sightings via the online portal ‘TreeAlert’.
To report sightings of the plane lace bug, visit: https://treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk/