First record of Xyleborus atratus Eichhoff from Europe, with an illustrated key to the European Xyleborini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Abstract

Xyleborus atratus Eichhoff, an ambrosia beetle of Asian origin, is reported for the first time from Europe, based on a series of females collected in northern Italy in April 2007 and 2008 in funnel traps baited with ethanol. A diagnosis of the species and a revised key to the genera and species of Xyleborini occurring in Europe is presented. An explanation is suggested for the large number of recent introductions of exotic ambrosia beetles into Europe.