Tanzania
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Pagiocerus frontalis
Pagiocerus frontalis is an invasive bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae, native to Central and South America. First detected in Africa in December 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania, it has emerged as a significant pest of stored maize and avocado seeds. The beetle bores into grains, producing powdery frass and exit holes, and can perforate woven polypropylene storage bags. Laboratory studies in Tanzania demonstrated substantial damage across 27 maize varieties, with grain damage ranging from 42.5% to 92.5%. Its invasion pattern and damage potential resemble those of the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus), which caused severe losses following its introduction to Africa.