A new threat to fig trees in Turkiye: the first record of Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

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BACAK E., BEŞKARDEŞ V., Bacak E., YILMAZ E.

BioInvasions Records, vol.15, no.1, pp.89-96, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.3391/bir.2026.15.1.09
  • Journal Name: BioInvasions Records
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Environment Index, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.89-96
  • Keywords: Ficus carica, fig production, fig weevil, invasive insects, Mediterranean, xylophagous
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Insects play critical roles in ecosystems but can become invasive species due to human activities. This study reports the first record of an invasive insect species, Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Turkiye. Originally from Taiwan, this species has been recorded in Europe since 1997 and causes damage to fig trees (Ficus spp). It was detected on fig trees (Ficus carica) on the 1st of October, 2024, in Sarıyer-Bahçeköy, Istanbul. Although the exact pathway of its introduction remains unknown, it is suspected to have spread through local nurseries and landscaping activities. Turkiye is the world’s largest fig producer, with a production of 356.000 tons in 2023. Aclees taiwanensis has the potential to spread, particularly in warm and temperate regions where the Mediterranean climate prevails. Due to globalization and climate change, the spread of such invasive insects is increasing. Therefore, monitoring and controlling the spread of A. taiwanensis is of great importance.