CBP agriculture specialists intercept 3 pests never before seen at Pharr port

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three "First in Nation" pests were intercepted at a Pharr port of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes "First in Nation" pests as the first time a pest is recorded being intercepted at a port of entry or collected in the country. 

Each of the three pests was found in shipments of plants and fruits crossed into the Pharr port of entry.

The first interception was recorded on May 16 in a shipment of banana leaves, dasheen, and chayote.

Agriculture specialists identified the first pest as an Anelaphus Yucatecus Chemsak & Noguera (Cerambycidae).

_{Anelaphus yucatecus Chemsak & Noguera (Cerambycidae)}

The second and third interceptions occurred on June 5 in a shipment of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and coconut.

The two pests were confirmed as Cyclocephala Fulgurata Burmeister (Scarabaeidae) and Cardiophorus aptopoides Candze (Elateridae).

_{Cardiophorus aptopoides Candze (Elateridae)}

_{Cyclocephala Fulgurata Burmeister (Scarabaeidae)}

According to CBP, these pests can damage crops and cause widespread problems.

"Through their expertise and vigilance, CBP agriculture specialists at our ports of entry help shield American agriculture from invasive pests and harmful diseases affecting plants and animals," said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. 

All shipments with the pests were returned to Mexico.