A joint investigation carried out by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency has identified a single adult male Colorado potato beetle found within 1km of the larvae discovered in Kent last month.

It marks the first time that an outbreak of the beetle has been confirmed in the UK since 1977, though the small bug is endemic in large parts of Europe.

The finding comes a month after the beetle larvae was first identified in a field in Kent, and, given the estimated age of the creature, it is expected to have hailed from this original site.

See also: Colorado beetle outbreak confirmed in Kent potato field

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) have announced that surveillance will continue within a 1km zone while the organisations continue to work with the affected grower to eradicate the pest.

If not eradicated, Colorado potato beetles pose a significant threat to potato crops, as adult beetles feed on the foliage, stripping plants of their leaves.

Farmers and growers in particular are being encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of the beetle.

It is bright yellow or orange in colour, with black stripes, and is usually between 8.5-11.5mm in length and 3mm in width.

Its larvae are a reddish brown colour, round and globular, and up to 15mm in length.

While all public reports of sightings have been negative to date, any suspected sightings should be immediately reported to Apha by calling 0300 1000 313 or emailing planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk