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Asian Longhorned Beetle

adult asian longhorned beetle
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

The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is one of the most serious and destructive tree pests to strike North America. So far, the only active infestations in North America are in the New York City metropolitan area, Chicago and in Toronto, Canada. 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.

round exit holes egg niches
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 course sawdust
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

 

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Asian longorned beetle Web site.