What is the Asian longhorned beetle?
The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a longhorned beetle of the family Cerambycidae. It is native to Asia, but it was first discovered in the United States in New York in 1996.
Why is it a threat?
The beetle's immatures, called larvae, bore into hardwood trees to feed. They create large galleries and feed on the phloem and xylem of the tree. Their feeding disrupts nutrient flow within the tree, eventually killing it. The hungry grubs also weaken the tree and make it susceptible to breaking, which is especially concerning in the Southeast where we experience hurricane season.
In the Asian longhorned beetle's native range, it is not a threat. However, we do not have natural "checks" like predators to keep the beetle at bay in the United States. Because of this, it can spread rapidly and reproduce prolifically, allowing it to harm many of our trees. The beetle feeds on about 29 species of hardwood trees, but its favorite host is maple (Acer) trees. Maple is abundant in the natural forests of North Carolina, putting our forest ecosystems at risk.
In the Asian longhorned beetle's native range, it is not a threat. However, we do not have natural "checks" like predators to keep the beetle at bay in the United States. Because of this, it can spread rapidly and reproduce prolifically, allowing it to harm many of our trees. The beetle feeds on about 29 species of hardwood trees, but its favorite host is maple (Acer) trees. Maple is abundant in the natural forests of North Carolina, putting our forest ecosystems at risk.
Adult Asian longhorned beetle emerging from its perfectly round exit hole. Video: Jacqueline Fredieu, NCDA&CS
What are the signs and symptoms of an infestation?
Signs and symptoms include:
- Perfectly round exit holes (width of a standard pencil eraser)
- Gnawed egg laying pits
- Sap seeping from egg-laying pits
- Frass (excrement that looks like sawdust) near the base of the tree
- Early fall coloration
- Bark cracking
- Branch breakage
How do we manage the pest?
Management of the Asian longhorned beetle is difficult, and it isn't pretty! Eradication is possible but only after removing or treating all host trees in the area. Early detection is critical and can reduce the time to both eradication and replanting.
Research about the lifecycle of the Asian longhorned beetle and the best management techniques to control it in the Southeast is ongoing.
Research about the lifecycle of the Asian longhorned beetle and the best management techniques to control it in the Southeast is ongoing.
Where is it?
How can you help?
The pest recently entered South Carolina, meaning it is closer to North Carolina than ever before. The beetle may be attracted to water, and you can help us find it if it is here by checking your pool filters. Even if you don't have a pool, you can help by being on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of this devastating insect pest!
If you think you have found the Asian longhorned beetle, you can report it here.
If you think you have found the Asian longhorned beetle, you can report it here.