Grain-Destroying Beetle From Saudi Arabi Found In LAX Cargo
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A grain-gobbling non-native beetle was recently found in a shipment of rice from Saudi Arabia at Los Angeles International Airport, according to U.S. customs officials.
A commercial airlines passenger on Aug. 9 carried the rice containing a dead adult, living larva and cast-off skins, said Lee Harty of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The rice, carried by a commercial airlines passenger, contained a dead adult, living larva and cast off skins, according to Lee Harty of CBP.
Another shipment of rice from Saudi Arabia that originated from India arrived at LAX in late December or early January with an adult Kharpa beetle and eight larvae in it.
The beetles, which originated in South Asia, are among the most destructive grain pests. They have been eradicated in the U.S. several times, then accidentally reintroduced.
Because of the threat, rice from certain countries requires special certificates and is quarantined, Harty said.
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