Abstract: 【Aim】 Sinoxylon japonicum is a serious forest borer species. Since the first detection of its occurrence in Kunming, Yunnan Province in 1981, S. japonicum has been reported as occurring in more than 10 provinces and cities in China. Currently, it has caused substantial damages to the pagoda tree Sophora japonica in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. 【Methods】 In this study, we sorted the occurrence records of S. japonicum in chronological order, and further predicted its potential distribution using two ecological niche models, i.e., Maxent and GARP. 【Results】 The results indicate that S. japonicum is distributed sporadically in southern China, but in clusters in northern China. The distribution of this pest indicates an increasing trend from south to north and from east to west in China. We speculate that the outbreaks of S. japonicum in northern China might be due to the concentrated planting of S. japonica there, and its spreading might be due to the transportation of infested hosts. The results of ecological niche modeling suggest that large areas of China are suitable for S. japonicum. Potential distribution areas from north to south include western Liaoning, Beijing, Tianjin, Ningxia, Hebei, southern Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, and northwestern parts of Sichuan and Guizhou. 【Conclusion】 In order to prevent S. japonicum from further spreading, the transportation of host plants between these areas should follow strict preventive regulations.  

Key words: Sinoxylon japonicum, ecological niche modeling, potential distribution, Maxent, GARP, fauna