ROMULUS, Mich. – Rare spore-spreading seed bugs were intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport, marking the third time the species has been intercepted in the U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered the half-inch-long bugs on fresh cypress cones arriving from Jordan late last year.
The undeclared cones were brought to the U.S. for medicinal purposes and were found during an inspection of a passenger heading to Ohio.
Agriculture specialists and USDA officials identified the bugs as part of the Orsillus species, and on Jan. 1, 2025, they were further identified as Orsillus maculatus.
Records show that before this, the bug has only been intercepted in the U.S. two other times: in Dallas in 1998 and in Fort Lauderdale in 2018.
“This was an excellent discovery by our CBP agriculture specialists,” said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. “We must be cognizant of all threats in the border environment, large and small.”
These bugs have caused damage to cypress plantations and stands in Europe and the Mediterranean.
They feed directly on cypress seeds and other conifer species and carry fungal spores on their bodies, which spread when they move around.
Due to this, they are considered to be invasive in the U.S.
“In the U.S. Midwest, cypress and other conifer species are important because they reduce erosion, flooding, increase water quality, provide refuge for wildlife, and have ornamental and timber value,” according to a release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “This bugs’ ability to feed on multiple hosts coupled with its ability to transfer pathogenic spores makes it a potential threat to native conifer trees that have low genetic resistance to non-native pests like this and the pathogens they may carry.”
