A routine customs inspection at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport resulted in the discovery of an invasive beetle species, the first of its kind in the United States.
The beetle, which was identified as a Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was found within a medicinal bark brought from the Ivory Coast in February. Both the beetle and bark were seized by the CBP at the time.
The beetle was only 3mm long, and buried within the bark. It took eight months for specialists to fully identify the beetle.
Tyler Fox, an environmental specialist with the CBP, said there isn't much known about this species, meaning it is unknown what could happen if it made it out into the wild.
"Sometimes when things come here, the plants have a different resistance. They aren't used to it," Fox explained. "It could be carrying bacteria or fungus that could cause a tree death."
Fox said the best way to ensure nothing invasive is brought into the U.S. is by making sure to be transparent with customs officers.
"Our policy is always just declare everything you're bringing," Fox said. "When you come through the airport, when you meet that immigration officer, just take what you have. And if it needs to get referred to us to make that determination, we'll gladly do that."
