An exotic beetle from China which damages plants and trees has been discovered in a private garden in Angus.
The citrus longhorn beetle was identified on Acer plants (Acer palmatum or Japanese Maple) imported from China via the Netherlands and distributed by mail order last week.
The large black beetles grow to between 21-37mm and have distinct white markings and long “horns" or antennae.
The antennae are longer than the body and are black with white bands.
It could be found on a wide range of trees or shrubs.
A Scottish Government spokesman last night said the “nasty” pest had been dealt with but declined to reveal the exact location where it was discovered.
Ministers are urging gardeners across the north and north-east to be vigilant and look out for the beetle, which has also been discovered in several parts of the UK recently.
Although it is known to have been introduced in Acers, it can affect a wide range of trees or shrubs, such as oak, beech, ash, maple, apple, pear, willow, hibiscus, horse chestnut, hornbeam, hazel, birch, mulberry and rose.
Citrus longhorn beetles develop inside plant stems and tree trunks, taking between one and three years to emerge, and are therefore difficult to detect.
A telltale sign of their presence are large exit holes, measuring 6-11mm, left by the emerging adults in the stem, just above ground level.
Other symptoms can include scraped sections of bark, chewed leaves and damage to the leaf stalks by adults.