This study investigated the presence of alien hitchhiker insect species detected in empty international containers entering South Korea in 2024. A total of 12 species were identified, among which six species are not distributed in South Korea. Among them, Erthesina fullo (Pentatomidae, Hemiptera) and Trochoideus desjardinsi (Endomychida, Coleoptera) were identified as a stored product pests. If established in South Korea, these species could cause both agricultural and ecological disruptions, highligthing the importance of rigorous inspections. These findings emphasize the need for rigorous inspections and continuous monitoring of various entry pathways to mitigate and prevent the risks associated with hitchhiker insects.
This study investigated the presence of alien hitchhiker insect species detected in empty international containers entering South Korea in 2024. A total of 12 species were identified, among which six species are not distributed in South Korea. Among them, Erthesina fullo (Pentatomidae, Hemiptera) and Trochoideus desjardinsi (Endomychida, Coleoptera) were identified as a stored product pests. If established in South Korea, these species could cause both agricultural and ecological disruptions, highligthing the importance of rigorous inspections. These findings emphasize the need for rigorous inspections and continuous monitoring of various entry pathways to mitigate and prevent the risks associated with hitchhiker insects.