Multi-agency Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) collaborative monitoring program along the Colorado Front Range

Japanese beetle is not native to Colorado. In 2005 a significant Japanese beetle population was discovered in Arapahoe County (Near Denver). In 2007 Japanese beetle had spread to other counties in the Front Range including Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties. In the fall of 2007 a Front Range Japanese Beetle Task Force was formed to determine the distribution of this pest using dual floral and sex lures. The Japanese Beetle Task Force consists of personnel from Colorado State University Extension in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas and Jefferson Counties, Colorado Department of Agriculture, USDA-Aphis, and Jefferson County Weed and Pest Management Department, and the Rocky Mountain Area Golf Course Superintendents Association. Japanese beetle is a regulated insect subject to internal quarantines in the United States. The presence of established Japanese beetle populations in Colorado restricts trade of nursery products and requires special treatment or inspection prior to shipment to areas where this insect does not occur. The task force objective is to coordinate efforts to determine infestation and potential movement of Japanese beetle and promote agency dialogue preventing duplication of efforts. An online reporting system enabled the monitoring of recently trapped beetles promoting a rapid response to “hot spots” of new infestations. Each trap is GIS mapped providing precise trap location. An innovative component using “Crime Scene Investigating Format” was utilized as an educational outreach in schools, Master Gardner training, and Green Industry annual meetings.