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Asian Longhorned Beetle
A long-horned beetle has recently been discovered attacking trees in Brooklyn and Amityville, NY. Its scientific name is Anoplophora glabripennis and this is the first time it has been seen infesting trees in the United States.
This insect is native to Japan, Korea, and southern China, where it kills trees.
In New York, the beetle has been attacking Maple (Acer) species, including Norway, Red, Sugar, Silver, Boxelder and Sycamore Maple. Horsechestnut (Aesculus) trees have also been heavily attacked. In China, it attacks other hardwoods including Elms, Poplars, Willows and fruit trees. In the United States, it is important to limit the spread, in order to reduce the chance of the beetle becoming a significant tree pest.
Signature Traits:
- Adult beetles are large-bodied with very long antenna. Their bodies are black with white spots, and their antenna are black and white (Photo 1). The best time to see the adults is from May to October.
- Large (3/8" diameter) round holes, anywhere on the tree including branches, trunk, and exposed roots. These are the sites where adults exit from the trees (Photo 2).
- Oval to round, darkened wounds in the bark (Photo 2). These are oviposition sites where adult females chew out a place to lay their eggs.
- Large piles of coarse sawdust around the base of trees or where branches meet the main stem.
United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Northeastern Area
NA-PR-01-97