Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931)

English Spotted-wing drosophila Status LU: established. 1st record: 2014.
Lëtzebuergesch Kiischte-Fruuchtméck Status Eur.: established.
Français Moucheron asiatique RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Kirschessigfliege Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Spotted-wing drosophila Wikipedia - Français - Moucheron asiatique Wikipedia - Deutsch - Kirschessigfliege Nederlands | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Drosophila suzukii | CABI
Nederlands Suzuki’s fruitvlieg Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

DrosophilasuzukiiphotoMcEvey

Male and female Drosophila suzukii.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) is a fruit crop pest and can be a serious economic threat to soft summer fruit.

The cherry vinegar fly is known as a pest in fruit and wine growing. A study in the cantons of Zug and Zurich now shows that the forest is also affected by this invasive alien insect. The heavy infestation of wild fruits reduces the food basis of many animal species and the spread of the affected plant species (Bühlmann et al. 2021).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) first appeared in Luxembourg in 2014 which raised great attention (Nonet 2014; Schultz & Molitor 2016). A large-scale monitoring of the spotted-wing drosophila was carried out in the Moselle region in 2016 in cooperation with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST).

No records are available through the mdata.mnhn.lu portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Useful ressources

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (3+2+1+1) (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Bühlmann I. et al. (2021): Schadpotenzial der Kirschessigfliege (Drosophila suzukii) im Wald. Wald und Holz (8/21), 19-22. Cf. https://biodiversitaet.scnat.ch/publications/search_details?id=1900
  • CABI, 2019. Drosophila suzukii. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-14]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Drosophila suzukii in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-14]
  • Nonet, E., 2014. Mille litres de nectar, pas plus. Le Quotidien 6./7.12.2014: p. 19.
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Schultz, M. & D. Molitor, 2016. Die Kirschessigfliege – eine neue Herausforderung für den Luxemburger Weinbau. Lëtzebuerger Beien-Zeitung 127: 354-359.

 Page content last updated on 2025-04-11. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-12-10.

Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859)

English Box tree moth Status LU: established. 1st record: 2015.
Lëtzebuergesch Pällemmatt Status Eur.: established.
Français Pyrale du buis RA: ISEIA: A1, Black List. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Buchsbaumzünsler Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Box tree moth Wikipedia - Français - Pyrale du buis Wikipedia - Deutsch - Buchsbaumzünsler Nederlands | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Cydalima perspectalis | CABI
Nederlands Buxusmot Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Box tree moth larval feeding damageCydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. It is native to eastern Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Russian Far East and India), where the caterpillars feed on Buxus microphylla without causing any damage. It is an invasive species in Europe, first recorded in Germany in 2006, and subsequently in Switzerland and the Netherlands in 2007, Great Britain in 2008, France and Austria in 2009, Hungary in 2011, Romania, Spain and Turkey. It is also known from Slovakia, Belgium and Croatia, and in 2016 in Bosnia and Hercegovina. During the preparation for the 2014 Olympics, in 2012 it was introduced from Italy to Sochi with the planting stock of Buxus sempervirens and during the next year it began to defoliate Buxus colchica in large quantities.

The larvae feed on the leaves and shoots of Buxus species. Young larvae only eat the upper part of the leaf, leaving the hardest inside structure. The leaves are not destroyed completely but appear as “peeled” in small parallel beats lines, or almost completely. These peeled leaves eventually die. Old larvae are the most damaging: they massively and completely eat the leaves, sometimes leaving a thin part at the contour and centre of the leaf, however. Green ball-shaped frass can usually be seen on host plants (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2025-12-13.

In Luxembourg, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) was first observed on 11th September 2015 by Svenja Christian in Wasserbillig, municipality of Mertert (Hellers & Christian 2016). In 2016, the moth was observed in Dudelange by Georges Bechet. Since then, the species has spread massively and can be found virtually all over the country. Reports are less frequent in the North of Luxembourg.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A1 (3+3+3+3) = Black List (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • CABI, 2019. Cydalima perspectalis. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Hellers, M. & S. Christian, 2016. Eine neue invasive Art in Luxemburg: der Buchsbaumzünsler Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859). Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 118 : 131-134. [PDF 350 KB]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Cydalima perspectalis in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020. ‘Cydalima perspectalis’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 January 2020, 15:35 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cydalima_perspectalis&oldid=934256164> [accessed 13 March 2020]

 Page content last updated on 2024-06-26. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2020-04-30.

Corythucha ciliata Say, 1832

English Sycamore lace bug Status LU: established. 1st record: 2010.
Lëtzebuergesch Platanen-Netzwanz Status Eur.: established.
Français Tigre du platane RA: ISEIA: C3. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Platanen-Netzwanze Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Sycamore lace bug Wikipedia - Français - Tigre du platane Wikipedia - Deutsch - Platanen-Netzwanze | Wikispecies: n/a (2020) | CABI
Nederlands n/a Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Platanen-Netzwanze (Corythucha ciliata)Corythucha ciliata Say, 1832 is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae that is associated with sycamore trees. It originates in the New World, but has been introduced and has spread in Europe. It is a small, whitish insect and feeds on the underside of the leaves, sucking sap. In Europe, C. ciliata was first observed in 1964 in Padova, Italy, and has since spread throughout Southern and Central Europe, infesting the European hybrid plane (Platanus × acerifolia). Although it does not of itself kill trees, in Central Europe it is often found in association with two plant-pathogenic fungi which can kill trees, Apiognomonia veneta and Ceratocystis fimbriata, leading to the hypothesis that it may act as a vector for these fungi (Wikipedia contributors 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Corythucha ciliata Say, 1832 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2025-12-13.

Corythucha ciliata Say, 1832 is considered widespread in Luxembourg. The sycamore lace bug was first observed in Luxembourg by Svenja Christian in 2010 in Wasserbillig. Schneider & Christian (2013) list 14 localities where the species occurred in 2012, while 17 observations are documented in the mdata.mnhn.lu portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C3 (3+1+1+1) (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • CABI, 2019. Corythucha ciliata. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Corythucha ciliata in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Schneider, N., 2014. Auf Spurensuche. 59. Platanennetzwanzen. Regulus 6/14: 27
  • Schneider, N. & S. Christian, 2013. Découverte de Corythucha ciliata (Say, 1832) et de Derephysia sinuatocollis Puton, 1879 au Luxembourg et autres observations dignes d’intérêt (Insecta, Hemiptera, Heteroptera). Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 105-109. [PDF 3386 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2019. ‘Corythucha ciliata’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 27 October 2019, 19:04 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Corythucha_ciliata&oldid=923310681> [accessed 13 March 2020]

 Page content last updated on 2020-04-28. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-12-05.

Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986

English Horse-chestnut leaf miner Status LU: established. 1st record: 2003.
Lëtzebuergesch Päerdskäschtebam-Minnematt Status Eur.: established.
Français Mineuse du marronnier RA: ISEIA: C3. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Rosskastanienminiermotte Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Horse-chestnut leaf miner Wikipedia - Français - Mineuse du marronnier Wikipedia - Deutsch - Rosskastanienminiermotte Nederlands | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Cameraria ohridella |
Nederlands Paardenkastanjemineermot Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Cameraria ohridella dorsalCameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986 is a leaf-mining moth of the family Gracillariidae. The horse-chestnut leaf miner was first observed in North Macedonia in 1984, and was described as a new species in 1986. Its larvae are leaf miners on the common horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). The horse-chestnut leafminer was first collected and inadvertently pressed in herbarium sheets by the botanist Theodor von Heldreich in central Greece in 1879. Cameraria ohridella causes significant damage, mainly late summer browning, to the appearance of horse-chestnut trees. Despite the poor appearance of these infested trees, there is no evidence that damage by the moth leads to tree death. Although horse-chestnut occurs naturally mostly above the 700–1000 m. contours the moth does well in well-watered places such as parks in cities and at low elevation but not well in the hotter parts of Europe e.g. Spain. Probably aided greatly by vehicular transport, the moth has attained a very rapid dispersal rate across Europe of 60 km per year (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2025-12-13.

Nico Schneider observed and documented occurrences of Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986 in 2003 in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg (Schneider 2003).

15 records of the horse-chestnut leaf miner are listed in the mdata.mnhn.lu portal ranging from 2007 to 2017 (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C3 (3+1+1+1) (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • CABI, 2019. Cameraria ohridella. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Cameraria ohridella in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Schneider, N., 2003. Auf Spurensuche. 21. Miniermotten. Regulus 9/03: 22.
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020.’Horse-chestnut leaf miner’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 January 2020, 16:30 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Horse-chestnut_leaf_miner&oldid=936884582> [accessed 13 March 2020]

 Page content last updated on 2020-04-28.

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853)

English Asian long-horn beetle Status LU: absent.
Lëtzebuergesch Asiatesche Bockkiewerlek Status Eur.: introduced.
Français Longicorne asiatique RA: ISEIA: B0, Alert List. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Asiatischer Laubholzkäfer Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Asian long-horned beetle Wikipedia - Français - Longicorne asiatique Wikipedia - Deutsch - Asiatischer Laubholzbockkäfer Nederlands | Wikispecies: Wikispecies | CABI
Nederlands Loofhoutboktor Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

File:Aziatische-boktor.jpgAnoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853) is native to eastern China, and Korea. The Asian long-horned beetle has now been accidentally introduced into the United States, where it was first discovered in 1996, as well as Canada, and several countries in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy and UK. This beetle is believed to have been spread from Asia in solid wood packaging material. Due to high tree mortality caused by larval feeding outside its native range, A. glabripennis can change both forest and urban ecosystems. In the United States, it can potentially destroy 30.3% of urban trees and cause $669 billion in economic loss. Early detection is used to manage infestations before they can spread (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

There is no documented observation of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853) in Luxembourg yet (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B0 (3+3+2+1) = Alert List (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,10 = (Overall Invasion score 0,24 x Overall Impact score 0,50) (evaluated by Jennifer Cross, Svenja Christian and Roland Proess).

0,24Invasion
0,50Impact
0,10Risk

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • CABI, 2019. Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-04]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-03-04]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020. Asian long-horned beetle, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 29 November 2019, 18:33 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Asian_long-horned_beetle&oldid=928506868> [accessed 2020-03-04]

 Page content last updated on 2024-03-06.

Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771)

English Citrus longhorn beetle Status LU: absent.
Lëtzebuergesch Zitrus-Bockkiewerlek Status Eur.: established.
Français Capricorne à points blancs RA: ISEIA: B0, Alert List. Harmonia+: n/a
Deutsch Zitrusbockkäfer Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Citrus long-horned beetle Wikipedia - Français - Capricorne asiatique des agrumes Wikipedia - Deutsch - Zitrusbockkäfer | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Anoplophora chinensis | CABI
Nederlands  Oost-Aziatische boktor Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Anoplophora malasiacaAnoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771) originates from Eastern Asia where it seriously damages forest and agricultural plant hosts. Since the the citrus longhorn beetle is listed in annex V of the Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community, the competent administration informs about the species and the consequences of the listing (Anonymous [undated]).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

There is no documented observation of Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771) in Luxembourg yet (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B0 (3+3+2+1) = Alert List (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,10 = (Overall Invasion score 0,24 x Overall Impact score 0,50) (evaluated by Jennifer Cross, Svenja Christian and Roland Proess).

0,24Invasion
0,50Impact
0,10Risk

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Anonymous, [undated]. Der Citrusbockkäfer Anoplophora chinensis. Service de la protection des végétaux, Administration des services techniques de l’agriculture. 4 p.
  • CABI, 2019. Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-04]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-03-04]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2024-03-06.

Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895)

English Asian tiger mosquito Status LU: introduced. 1st record: 2022.
Lëtzebuergesch Wäissgezeechent Iergermustik Status Eur.: established. 1st record: 1979.
Français Moustique tigre asiatique RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,27.
Deutsch Asiatische Tigermücke Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Tigermosquito Wikipedia - Français - moustique-tigre Wikipedia - Deutsch - Asiatische Tigermücke | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Aedes albopictus | CABI
Nederlands Aziatische tijgermug Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

CDC-Gathany-Aedes-albopictus-2Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) is a mosquito native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; however, in the past few decades, this species has spread to many countries through the transport of goods and international travel. It is characterized by the white bands on its legs and body. The first establishment in Europe occurred in 1979 in Albania (Adhami and Reiter 1998), next in 1990 in Genoa, Italy (Sabatini et al. 1990).

This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn. The insect is called a tiger mosquito for its striped appearance, which resembles that of the tiger. Ae. albopictus is an epidemiologically important vector for the transmission of many viral pathogens, including the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, and Chikungunya fever, as well as several filarial nematodes such as Dirofilaria immitis. Aedes albopictus is capable of hosting the Zika virus and is considered a potential vector for Zika transmission among humans (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

DSCN0562

Potential breeding site for the Asian tiger mosquito.

Invasions of the Asian tiger mosquito into new areas of its potential range are often initiated through the transportation of eggs via the international trade in used tires (due to the rainwater retained in the tires when stored outside).

Advice for the population

Please refer to the Internet page https://mosquitoes.lu/dealing-with-mosquitoes/ for detailed information in 5 languages (Lëtzebuergesch Français Deutsch Portugues English) on how to deal with mosquitoes near your home.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

On on 2022-09-03, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health informs that a population of the tiger mosquito “Aedes albopictus” has been detected at two locations in the territory of the Commune of Roeser.

On on 2023-07-31, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health informs that eggs of the tiger mosquito “Aedes albopictus” have been detected near Capellen (Municipality of Mamer) in the week of 17-23 July 2023. This is the second detection of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus in Luxembourg.

Until September 2022 there was no documented occurrence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) in Luxembourg yet (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2021). The species has established itself in Alsace (France) and in Oestrich-Winkel near Mainz (Germany), about 150 km from the borders of Luxembourg. The species is regularly introduced into our neighbouring regions (Belgium and Holland, Lorraine, Rhineland-Palatinate) but is not yet established there thanks to monitoring and treatment of sites. An egg clutch was observed in August 2018 on a motorway rest area near Arlon (Belgium). Immediate site treatment prevented the development of a local population.

As of 2021, we estimated the arrival of the species in Luxembourg to be imminent.

The map shows the current known distribution of Aedes albopictus in Europe at at ‘regional’ administrative level (NUTS3), as of March 2021 (ECDC & EFSA, 2021).

From May to November, 2020, five ovitraps have been placed on the motorway service areas “Aire de Berchem (Est)” and “Aire de Capellen (Nord)” in order to survey the invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. Both highways A3 and A6 are considered to be putative mosquito hitchhikers’ entry pathways into Luxembourg. The traps have been monitored over 23 weeks producing a total of 80 data. No mosquito eggs could be found in any sample. This surveillance was carried out as part of the international AIMSurv2020 project in the frame of the EU COST action CA17108 “Aedes Invasive Mosquitoes” (Ries & Schaffner 2020).

In 2016, the National Natural History Museum carried out a survey on mosquito species in Luxembourg. In July and August, ten mosquito traps were installed in different locations throughout the country. The BG-Sentinel 2 traps from the company Biogents were run for 24 hours once every week until the end of October. The catch was preserved in deep freezers and transferred to the Museum for identification. The catch was identified by mosquito specialist Dr. Francis Schaffner, University of Zurich. No invasive species were found among the caught specimens (Ries et al. 2019).

A public petition (n°1071) for a public health policy that effectively combats the implantation of tiger mosquitoes, vectors of diseases, in Luxembourg, was introduced on 10th July 2018 and was open for signatures until 19th September 2018 (Sarno Bomfim 2018).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (2+3+1+1), reassessed on 3rd September 2022 by C. Ries. Originally assessed C0 (2+3+1+1) (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,27 = (Overall Invasion score 0,47 x Overall Impact score 0,58) (Schaffner & Ries 2019: 178).

0,47Invasion
0,58Impact
0,27Risk

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Adhami, J. & P. Reiter, 1998. Introduction and establishment of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) in Albania. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 14(3): 340–343.
  • Boukraa, S., Dekoninck, W., Versteirt, V., Schaffner, F., Coosemans, M., Haubruge, E., Francis, F., 2015. Updated checklist of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Belgium. Journal of Vector Ecology, 40(2), 398-407. [doi: 10.1111/jvec.12180]
  • CABI, 2019. Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-06]
  • ECDC & EFSA, 2021. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Food Safety Authority. Mosquito maps [internet]. Stockholm: ECDC; 2021. Available from: https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-vectors/surveillance-and-disease-data/mosquito-maps
  • Ganser, J., 2020. Tigermücke im Anflug. Exotische Stechfliegen finden vermehrt den Weg nach Luxemburg. Das muss aber kein Grund zur Panik sein. Luxemburger Wort online 2020-09-21. URL: https://www.wort.lu/de/lokales/tigermuecke-im-anflug-5f68bdc4de135b9236d06c07
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2021. Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2021-09-03]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Ries, C. & F. Schaffner, 2020. Surveillance of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) (Diptera, Culicidae) on two motorway service areas in Luxembourg in 2020. A project report, unpublished, 10 p. [PDF 1.1 MB]
  • Ries, C., S. Christian, M. Pfeiffenschneider, I.A. Giantsis & F. Schaffner, 2019. A survey of mosquito species (Diptera, Culicidae) in Luxembourg, 2016. Project report. Luxembourg: Musée national d’histoire naturelle. 7 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.22645.70884 [PDF 725 KB]
  • Sabatini, A., Rainieri V., Trovato G. & Coluzzi M., 1990. Aedes albopictus in Italia e possibile diffusione della specie nell’area mediterranea. Parassitologia 32(3): 301–304.
  • Sarno Bomfim, JA, 2018. Pétition publique n°1071 – Pour une politique de santé publique qui combatte effectivement l’implantation des moustiques tigres, vecteurs de maladies, au Luxembourg. URL: https://chd.lu/wps/portal/public/Accueil/TravailALaChambre/Petitions/RoleDesPetitions?action=doPetitionDetail&id=1274 [08/08/2018].
  • Schaffner, F. & C. Ries, 2019. First evidence and distribution of the invasive alien mosquito Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 121: 169-183. [PDF 8,94 MB]
  • Théry, P., 2018. Le moustique-​​tigre pourrait bientôt arriver. L’essentiel en ligne du 17 mai 2018.
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020. Aedes albopictus. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aedes_albopictus&oldid=947251873 [accessed 2020-04-06]

 Page content last updated on 2023-07-31. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-12-04.

Faxonius limosus Rafinesque, 1817

English Spinycheek crayfish Status LU: established. 1st record: 1978.
Lëtzebuergesch Gefleckte Flosskriibs, Kamberkriibs Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2016).
Français Écrevisse américaine RA: ISEIA: C2. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Kamberkrebs Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Spinycheek crayfish Wikipedia - Français - Ecrevisse américaine Wikipedia - Deutsch - Kamberkrebs Nederlands | Wikispecies: n/a (2019) | CABI
Nederlands Gevlekte rivierkreeft Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Orconectes limosus - KamberkrebsFaxonius limosus Rafinesque 1817 (Synonyme Orconectes limosus Rafinesque 1817) is native to the east coast of North America. It is unusual in that it lives in silty streams, rather than the clear water usually preferred by crayfish. Like Pacifastacus leniusculus, another invasive North American crayfish, O. limosus carries crayfish plague and is a threat to native European crayfish. The spinycheek crayfish was introduced to Germany in 1890, and has since spread across much of Northern Europe, recently reaching the United Kingdom. It has also spread southwards as far as the Danube in Serbia. These Crayfish live on the bottom of the freshwater pools, such as lakes, ponds and swamps. They prefer flat, sandy, and rocky floors. They are also found outside the water on beaches or lawns near the pool of water. They use rocks to make burrows while in the water (Wikipedia contributors 2019).

Faxonius limosus is omnivorous and, being able to reach high densities, can impact native macroinvertebrates and macrophytes (CABI 2019).

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, Faxonius limosus Rafinesque 1817 was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) which implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent it’s unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Faxonius limosus Rafinesque 1817 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2025-12-13.

Faxonius limosus Rafinesque 1817 was first documented in Luxembourg in 1978 in the river Moselle near Wasserbillig, municipality of Mertert (Neitzke 1978 cit. in Dhur & Massard 1995: 144). Atten (1987) located the immigrant in several places in Moselle (Schengen, Remich), Duhr (1993) downstream of Stadtbredimus, in the Remerschen ponds and in the lower reaches of the Sûre (cit. in Duhr & Massard 1995: 144 & 147).

It is no longer possible to eliminate the spinycheek crayfish populations present (Troschel 2010: 202, Troschel & Bartl 1998: 146).

Management

Action plan

An action plan regarding the management of Faxonius limosus (and Pacifastacus leniusculus) has been published in 2020:

Finalised Action Plan for Faxonius limosus (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C2 (1+2+3+1) (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

cabi.org: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/72033#toDistributionMaps

Fact sheet

PDF fact sheet of the Nature and Forestry Administration: FR | DE

Bibliography

  • Administration des eaux et forêts, service de la chasse et de la pêche, 1998. Fische in Luxemburg. Kartierung der Fische, Neunaugen und Flußkrebse des Großherzogtums Luxemburg. ISBN 2-495-28004-8. 153 pp.
  • Anonymous, 2016. Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2016/1141 of 13 July 2016 adopting a list of invasive alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Union L 189: 4-5.
  • Atten, D., 1987. Étude des populations d’Ecrevisses d’eau douce au grand-duché de Luxembourg et spécialement de l’Écrevisse de Californie. Luxembourg, Mémoire sci. asp. prof., 190 pp.
  • CABI, 2010. Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817) [original text by Elena Tricarico]. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2019-11-25]
  • De Sousa, Tiago, 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg : l’Écrevisse signal, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) et l’Écrevisse américaine, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Version 4/09/2020. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 29 pp.
  • Duhr, G., 1993. Étude des espèces d’invertébrés immigrés ou introduites dans la Moselle luxembourgeoise et dans les écosystèmes aquatiques qui en dépendent. Historique et répartition actuelle. Centre univ. Luxemb., Dép. Form. pédag., mém. sci. 213 p.
  • Dhur, G. & J.A. Massard, 1995. Étude historique et faunistique des Invertébrés immigrés ou introduits dans la Moselle luxembourgeoise et ses affluents. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 96: 127-156. [PDF 1896 KB]
  • Meisch, C. & J.A. Massard, 2015. Les recherches sur les crustacés (Crustacea) du Luxembourg : aperçu historique. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 381-390. [Orconectes limosus: p. 282]
  • MNHNL, 2000-. Orconectes limosus Rafinesque 1817 in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-11-25]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Orconectes limosus Rafinesque 1817 in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-11-25]
  • Neitzke, C., 1978. Zur Kenntnis des Makrozoobenthons der Mosel: Weichtiere (Mollusca). Wissenschaftliche Hausarbeit zum Staatsexamen für das Lehramt an Gymnasien, Mainz.
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Troschel, H.J., 2010. Les poissons au Luxembourg. Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg. 2e édition. Administration de la gestion de l’eau, Luxembourg. ISBN 978-2-91989-713-1. 223 pp. [Orconectes limosus: p. 202-203]
  • Troschel, H.J. & G. Bartl, 1998. Fische in Luxem-burg. Kartierung der Fische, Neunaugen und Flusskrebse des Großherzogtums Luxemburg. Administration des Eaux et Forêts (éd.), Luxembourg, 168 pp. [Orconectes limosus: p. 146-147]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2019. Orconectes limosus in Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 September 2019. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orconectes_limosus [accessed 2019-11-25]

 Page content last updated on 2024-07-31.

Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852

English Signal crayfish Status LU: established. 1st record: 1996.
Lëtzebuergesch Signalkriibs Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern.
Français Écrevisse de Californie RA: ISEIA: A3, Black List. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Signalkrebs Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Signal crayfish Wikipedia - Français - Ecrevisse de Californie Wikipedia - Deutsch - Signalkrebs Nederlands | Wikispecies: n/a (2020)
Nederlands Signaalkreeft Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Signal crayfish female Pacifastacus leniusculus Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852 is a North American species of crayfish. It was introduced to Europe in the 1960s to supplement the North European Astacus astacus fisheries, which were being damaged by crayfish plague, but the imports turned out to be a carrier of that disease. The signal crayfish is now considered an invasive species across Europe, Japan, and California ousting native species there. The signal crayfish is now the most widespread alien crayfish in Europe, occurring in 25 countries. From 1907, crayfish plague, an infectious disease caused by the water mould Aphanomyces astaci, damaged stocks of the native European crayfish Astacus astacus. All American species carry the infection, but it is only lethal to individuals that are already stressed; to European species, the infection is rapidly fatal (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

The signal crayfish is an omnivore, with most of its dietary intake being detritus. Members of this species are typically 6–9 centimetres long, although sizes up to 16–20.32 centimetres are possible. They are bluish-brown to reddish-brown in colour, with robust, large, smooth claws. They have a white to pale blue-green patch near the claw hinge, like the white flags that signalmen used for directing trains—hence the name. Around 200–400 eggs are laid after mating in the autumn, and are carried under the female’s tail until they are ready to hatch the following spring. The eggs hatch into juveniles, which pass through three stages (two moults) before leaving their mother. Sexual maturity is reached after two to three years, and the lifespan can be up to 20 years (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana 1852 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2025-12-13.

Over 1.000 occurrences of Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852 are documented in the Recorder-Lux database, the first from 1996 (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020). The species has been present in Luxembourg since much earlier though. Dhur & Massard (1995) describe stockings of P. leniusculus in the lake of Esch/Sûre (1972), Kriibseweier/Gonderange (1974, 1975, 1976), Attert, Wark, Tandlerbaach, Dirbach, ponds at Kockelscheuer and Gostingen, the lake in Echternach, the Sûre close to Wallendorf and the Syre, ranging from 1977 to 1986.

Management

Action plan

An action plan regarding Pacifastacus leniusculus (and Faxonius limosus) has been published in 2020:

Finalised Action Plan for Pacifastacus leniusculus (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A3 (3+3+3+2) = Black List (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Fact sheet

PDF fact sheet of the Nature and Forestry Administration: FR | DE

Bibliography

  • Administration des eaux et forêts, Service de la chasse et de la pêche, 1998. Fische in Luxemburg. Kartierung der Fische, Neunaugen und Flußkrebse des Großherzogtums Luxemburg. ISBN 2-495-28004-8. 153 pp.
  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau, 2010. Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg. 2e édition. ISBN 978-2-91989-713-1. 213 pp.
  • Atten, D., 1987. Étude des populations d’Ecrevisses d’eau douce au grand-duché de Luxembourg et spécialement de l’Écrevisse de Californie. Luxembourg, Mémoire sci. asp. prof., 190 pp.
  • De Sousa, Tiago, 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: l’Écrevisse signal, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) et l’Écrevisse américaine, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Version 4/09/2020. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 29 pp.
  • Dhur, G. & J.A. Massard, 1995. Étude historique et faunistique des Invertébrés immigrés ou introduits dans la Moselle luxembourgeoise et ses affluents. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 96: 127-156. [PDF 1896 KB]
  • GBIF, 2020. Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Meisch, C. & J.A. Massard, 2015. Les recherches sur les crustacés (Crustacea) du Luxembourg : aperçu historique. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 381-390.
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Pacifastacus leniusculus in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020. ‘Signal crayfish’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 31 January 2020, 01:54 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Signal_crayfish&oldid=938417407> [accessed 2020-03-13]

 Page content last updated on 2025-09-25. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-12-11.

Information leaflet on Vespa velutina

Vespa-velutina-flyer-1st-pageThe Asian predatory wasp (Vespa velutina), also known as the Asian Hornet or yellow-legged hornet, is a species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly the tropical regions, from Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Taiwan, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Indo-Chinese peninsula and surrounding archipelagos.

As an invader in Europe, the hornet has appeared in France, Spain, Portugal. Further invasions are expected in various countries, including much of Europe.

As it is currently spreading from the south towards the north of France, we expect this wasp species to arrive in Luxembourg quite soon. This is why a leaflet was produced to enable people, and especially bee keepers, to identify the species and report its presence to the authorities.

Download the leaflet in PDF format (3,2 MB) (in German)

The leaflet has been produced by:

  • Ministère du Développement durable et des infrastructures
    • Département de l’Environnement
    • Administration de la nature et des forêts
  • Landesverband fir Beienzuucht
  • natur&ëmwelt
  • Musée national d’histoire naturelle, section d’écologie

 Page content last updated on 2020-03-30. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-12.