About Elm Leaf Beetle

The Elm Leaf Beetle-Pyrrhalta luteola (ELB) is a significant pest of Elm trees. The beetle and in particular its larvae, can defoliate Elm trees rapidly during the summer months in some cases weakening and possibly killing the tree over time.

The beetle was first discovered in Australia in 1989 on the Mornington Peninsula, although it may have been introduced some years before. It is now well established in Melbourne, particularly in the
Southern & Eastern urban areas and extending well into Gippsland.

More recently, the beetle has been discovered as far afield as Geelong, Albury, Sale and Tasmania.
Although the adult beetle can fly between trees they are also natural hitchhikers and can spread quickly to new areas in cars, caravans and other vehicles.