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Asian Longhorned Beetle

The asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is one of the most serious and destructive tree pests to strike North America. So far, this insect has been found in the New York City metropolitan area, Chicago, two locations in New Jersey, Toronto and most recently, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Asian longhorned beetles to date have not been found in Fairfax County. A native of China, this wood boring insect was most likely introduced into this country through packing crates. Like many exotic invasive insects, it has no natural enemies to keep its populations in control. Asian longhorned beetles have the potential to destroy millions of acres of hardwood forests as well as residential landscape trees. Due to the Asian longhorned beetle's destructive power, Fairfax County foresters are on the look out for it. If you have seen this beetle or have possibly seen damage caused by it (see below), please contact the Forest Pest Branch at 703-324-5304, TTY 711, or via e-mail.

Susceptible Trees

Typical host species of the Asian longhorned beetle are boxelder, Norway maple, silver maple, red maple, sugar maple, horsechestnut, willow, American elm, birch and poplar.

Adult Beetle
3/4" to 1-1/4" long, with black body and white spots. Long antennae, 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" long with white bands around each antenna segment.
Photo courtesy of USDA


Round Holes 3/8" or larger diameter holes, on the trunk and on branches larger than 1-1/2" in diameter. These exit holes are made by the adult beetles as they emerge from the tree. Photo courtesy of USDA	Egg Niches These are egg laying sites that are chewed out by a female adult beetle. Eggs are deposited in each depression. Photo courtesy of USDA


Oozing Sap Sap may flow from egg niches, especially on maple trees, as the larvae feed inside the tree. Photo courtesy of USDA	Course Sawdust Course sawdust at base of tree and/or branch attachments. Sawdust is created by the beetles as they bore into the main stems. Photo courtesy of USDA