Occurrence of Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an Alien Insect Pest, in Japan

Occurrence of the tobacco flea beetle Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a notorious pest of tobacco plants and other solanaceous crops in the United States of America, was found in all prefectures of the Kanto district, Japan in 2011. We have confirmed that the beetles attack potatoes and egg plants (Solanaceae) in Japan, but not that they infest tobacco in the same family. Small round holes were observed on the leaves of infested potatoes and eggplants. E. hirtipennis has presumably already colonized the Kanto district and may expand its distribution range in Japan.