Current Environmental News

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) was most likely introduced into the United States hidden in solid wood packing materials shipped from China.  The first official identification of the beetle was in Brooklyn, New York in 1996.  Infestations now exist in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.  The beetles have also been found in Ohio and Illinois, but have been eradicated.

One of the more publicized invasive insects is the Emerald Ash Borer beetle.  While the life cycles of these two insects are similar, there are some important differences.  While the Emerald Ash Borer targets only specific tree species, the Asian Longhorned Beetle is not as picky.  It can infest several different species of hardwood trees and has no natural predators in the United States.  Also, Asian Longhorned Beetles, unlike the Emerald Ash Borer, have limited mobility and it's spread is most likely due to human activities.

Prevention is the key with this species.  These beetles pose a huge threat to U.S. forests, threatening recreational and commercial industries alike.  If they become established, it is estimated that they could cause more damage than Dutch Elm disease, gypsy moths, and chestnut blight combined.  So be on the lookout for these destructive invasive species.

For more information about the Asian Longhorned Beetle, check out these links:

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS)

National Agricultural Pest Information System - Pest Tracker

U.S. Forest Service

Ohio State University Extension - Asian Longhorned Beetle video