The lucerne leaf beetle (Gonioctena fornicata), a non-native pest of Medicago sativa (lucerne), has been recorded for the first time in the UK. Two specimens were caught by a member of the public in Essex. Although the status of the beetle in the UK is uncertain, it is most likely that the beetle has become established or there have been mass migration events. If there were only a few migrants in the UK, it is unlikely they would have been detected.
Given the lack of significant impacts recorded in other temperate countries and the low level of production of lucerne in the UK, no statutory action is being taken.
Status: present: not widely distributed (only 2 individuals have been reported).