Table 8.

The Panel's conclusions on the pest categorisation criteria defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants (the number of the relevant sections of the pest categorisation is shown in brackets in the first column)

Criterion of pest categorisation	Panel's conclusions against criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union quarantine pest	Key uncertainties
Identity of the pest (Section 3.1 )	The identity of the species is established; Blissus insularis Barber is the accepted name and authority.	None
Absence/presence of the pest in the EU (Section 3.2 )	B. insularis is present in the EU; it has been reported from Portugal where it has a restricted distribution. B. insularis is not considered to be widely distributed in the EU.	None
Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU (Section 3.4 )	The presence of B. insularis in Portugal indicates that it can enter and establish the EU. Infested host grass moved as turf or as plugs (i.e. as plants for planting) provide a likely pathway. B. insularis has been present since at least 2019 and is now reported in central and southern regions of Portugal, suggesting that it has spread and can perpetuate for the foreseeable future.	None
Potential for consequences in the EU (Section 3.5 )	The introduction of B. insularis into Portugal is having an economic and environmental impact. Lawns of St. Augustine grass (a non‐native species) are being damaged in Portugal. The grass is widely grown around the Mediterranean. Impacts will increase if the pest spreads more widely around the EU.	None
Available measures (Section 3.6 )	Measures are available to inhibit entry and spread. Control options to mitigate impact are also available.	None
Conclusion (Section 4 )	B. insularis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.	None
Aspects of assessment to focus on/scenarios to address in future if appropriate: