Finding of the Bark Beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandford, 1894 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Udmurtia

The data on the first finds in the Udmurt Republic (and the East of European Russia as a whole) of a dangerous invasive species of bark beetle of the Far Eastern origin, Polygraphus proximus Blandford, 1894, are presented. The species was discovered in 2019 simultaneously in four districts (Zavyalovsky, Malopurginsky, Kiyasovsky, and Sarapulsky) of the central and southern parts of the republic. The established areas damaged by the Polygraphus proximus of forest stands are located both near railway tracks and highways and in the depths of natural forests in which Siberian fir grows (Abies sibirica Ledeb.), which indicates a long-term hidden invasion of the pest and its adaptation in Udmurtia. A further outbreak of the pest can lead to catastrophic consequences for forests with the participation of fir in the region. In addition, in the stands damaged by the Polygraphus proximus, an increase in the number of local species of longhorn beetles, associated with fir, is possible. In connection with the extreme potential harmfulness of this invader, it is necessary to carry out sanitary and restoration activities in order to localize and eliminate the identified outbreak foci of the pest, as well as to clarify the forest areas occupied by Polygraphus proximus on the territory of the Udmurt Republic and adjacent regions, with introduction of quarantine and monitoring measures.