Invasive Japanese beetles found outside downtown core in Kamloops, B.C.

A Kamloops, B.C., resident has reported invasive Japanese beetles outside the city's downtown core — an area which is considered a containment zone for the foliage-eating species.

Also known as , the invasive pest feeds on the roots of grass and the foliage of more than 300 plant species.

The CFIA recognizes the insect's spread as a threat to commercial crops and native plants, and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. says it "poses a severe threat to ecosystems and industries."

Late last year, the beetles were detected in the B.C. Interior city of Kamloops, the first time the pests were detected in B.C. outside the Lower Mainland .

Japanese beetles are known to munch on grass roots and more than 300 plant species. (CBC/Radio-Canada)

It prompted the Canadian Food Inspection