Beetles are commonly moved among continents with international trade. Baited traps set up in and around entry points are commonly used to increase chances of early-detection of incoming species and complement visual inspections. A still underestimated benefit of this surveillance approach is the high number and diversity of collected bycatch species. In this study, we exploited a multiyear surveillance program carried out with baited traps at five Spanish ports and their surrounding natural areas to investigate i) the importance of identifying bycatch to more promptly detect nonnative species belonging to non-target groups; ii) patterns of native and nonnative species richness and abundance inside the port areas vs. surrounding natural areas; iii) the occurrence of spillover events between natural areas surrounding ports and the port areas, and iv) whether the native species most commonly introduced into other countries are more abundant in port areas than in surrounding natural areas. A total of 23,538 individuals from 206 species representing 33 families were collected. The number and taxonomic diversity of the 26 bycatch nonnative beetle species testified that the identification of these unintentionally trapped species can provide additional information on ongoing invasions. Patterns of spillover and native species richness and abundance in port areas vs. surrounding natural areas highlighted a differential ability of different beetle families to colonize port areas. Finally, native species most commonly introduced into other countries were more abundant in port areas than in their surroundings, while the opposite trend occurred for native species that have not been introduced elsewhere. Our study highlighted that the use of traps baited with generic attractants can aid in early-detection of nonnative beetle species, and that the identification of native species can provide useful information on the risk of introduction in other countries.

We report the collection of specimens of two North American bark beetles, Ips calligraphus (Germar, 1823) and Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff, 1868), collected in a natural environment in Europe. Extensive trapping and field surveys did not find evidence of establishment. Both species were collected as part of a routine monitoring effort using Ips DeGeer lures (Sanidad Agrícola Econex S. L.) with traps situated in forests nearby to entry ports. The lack of establishment may be from insufficient propagule pressure, low climatic suitability, or absence of major hosts.

We present the first record of the tropical ambrosia beetle Xyleborus bispinatus in the Iberian Peninsula, collected in traps located in Murcia, Alicante and Valencia provinces (Spain). Insects have been captured in baited traps of long-time trapping networks (ESFP, MUFFET, RAT and SAMFIX) installed in Eastern Spain. Several individuals (410) of X. bispinatus have been collected in seven locations, first in 2009 in Murcia Region, and from 2018 to 2021 in Valencia Region. No attacks by X. bispinatus have been detected on plants thus far, and therefore the host plant in Spain remains unknown. Stable X. bispinatus populations have been detected in a wide area of central Valencian province. We may consider this as an alarming scenario that should be kept under surveillance by maintaining the current trapping network and intensifying the search for the host plants.

The black stem borer Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a species native to Eastern Asia that has invaded 24 countries worldwide, including 21 European countries, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. On the Iberian Peninsula it was recorded for the first time in traps placed in the Basque Country (Northern Spain) in 2003, but its host plants were unknown. In the present work, three populations of X. germanus are recorded in the east of Spain in Girona, Tarragona and Valencia provinces (Automomous Community of Catalonia, and Valencia, respectively). Specimens were collected in traps and on host plants, showing a wider distribution range now including the east and north‐east of the Iberian Peninsula. Infested carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua) were found in agricultural and urban green areas in Tarragona. Ceratonia siliqua is therefore reported here as a new host of X. germanus.

Europe has a long history of non-native species introductions given its central role in global trade in recent centuries. Currently, approximately two hundred cerambycid species have been found in Europe, as the result of introductions between and within biogeographical regions; still, despite better monitoring and stronger restrictions, the arrivals and spread of non-native Cerambycidae continue. The aim of this contribution is to report and discuss the first European records of the non-native longhorn beetle Olenecamptus bilobus (Fabricius, 1801) on the basis of three specimens recorded almost simultaneously in Spain and Greece, respectively.

The rise of invasive species is a global concern, increasingly driven by international trade and climate change. Ambrosia beetles (Xyleborini) are particularly successful invaders due to their ability of asexual reproduction and symbiotic relationship with fungi. Here we report and map the distribution of Xyleborini alien species in the Iberian Peninsula, expanding knowledge about the distribution of already established species and identifying a new host plant for Xyleborus bispinatus. Some populations have been detected through early detection trapping networks. The presence of Euwallacea fornicatus and E. similis is confirmed for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, with E. similis establishing populations in Southeastern Spain, while E. fornicatus is confirmed in the South, affecting avocado crops. Additionally, the distribution of X. bispinatus has been expanded. Amasa parviseta was also recorded, suggesting a broader distribution than previously known. The study highlights the increasing arrival and establishment of invasive Xyleborini in Spain, likely driven by trade, climate change, and urban development. This work underscores the urgent need for monitoring and early detection programs to manage and mitigate potential impacts.