First report of damage of Xylopertha reflexicauda (Lesne, 1937) (Col.: Bostrichidae) on Prosopis cineraria in the mesquite forests of south Kerman.

One of the most important forest trees in the south of Kerman province, which plays a vital role in the region's ecosystem and beekeeping industry and is infected by wood-eating beetles, is Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce. These trees are an essential habitat for various animals and refresh the hot air of the region. In the sampling conducted during 2021-2022 from the mesquite forests of southern Kerman (Ghaleganj, Faryab, and Anbarabad), the wood-eating beetle Xylopertha reflexicauda (Lesne, 1937) (Bostrichidae) was collected for the first time from P. cineraria trees and was identified. Reliable scientific sources identified the species of wood-eating beetle, and Dr. Len Yu Liu finally confirmed it. This species was first identified and described by Lesne in 1937. Due to the lack of water and recent droughts, and the weakness of Iranian mesquite trees, the larvae of this beetle are active inside the trunk and bark of mesquite trees and feed on the wood and bark of tree trunks and causing great damage to P. cineraria trees in Kerman. Responsible organizations should pay attention to managing the mesquite forests' current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]