Page 153 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 153
rald Ash Borer
Small green wood-boring beetle from Japan, China and
southeast Asia.
Accidentally introduced in the 1990s, probably in shipping containers.
Highly destructive to native ash trees. Considered an invasive species
of high concern in Virginia. Fairfax County works with the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and federal agencies to monitor
the infestation.
(Agrilus planipennis) Hemlock WoolLy Adelgid
Sap-sucking insect from Japan and parts of China.
Accidentally introduced in 1920s.
Kills native Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) by sucking
sap from the bases of the needles. Hemlocks throughout the
county have been decimated by this pest. Fairfax County’s Urban
Forestry Division has introduced predators to control the adelgid.
Northern Snakehead (Adelges tsugae)
Sharp-toothed fish from northern China and eastern Russia.
Sold live at markets.
Can breathe air and survive out of water up to three days. Voracious
predator. Competes with native fish for resources. Considered an
invasive species of high concern in Virginia.
(Channa argus) Brown Marmorated
Stinkbug
There are many native species of stinkbug in Virginia, but this
species is an invasive pest from Japan, China and southeast Asia.
Accidentally introduced in the 1990s, probably in
shipping containers.
Causes severe damage to crops and ornamental plants. Moves
indoors when weather cools, sometimes in large numbers.
Water Chestnut (Halyomorpha halys)
Aquatic plant that grows in dense floating mats.
Native of Europe, Asia and Africa.
First observed in U.S. in 1850s.
Limits light. Reduces oxygen levels. Competes with native
vegetation. Little value to waterfowl. Limits aquatic recreational
activities. Sharp fruits can wound.
(Trapa natans)
r 149 r
Small green wood-boring beetle from Japan, China and
southeast Asia.
Accidentally introduced in the 1990s, probably in shipping containers.
Highly destructive to native ash trees. Considered an invasive species
of high concern in Virginia. Fairfax County works with the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and federal agencies to monitor
the infestation.
(Agrilus planipennis) Hemlock WoolLy Adelgid
Sap-sucking insect from Japan and parts of China.
Accidentally introduced in 1920s.
Kills native Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) by sucking
sap from the bases of the needles. Hemlocks throughout the
county have been decimated by this pest. Fairfax County’s Urban
Forestry Division has introduced predators to control the adelgid.
Northern Snakehead (Adelges tsugae)
Sharp-toothed fish from northern China and eastern Russia.
Sold live at markets.
Can breathe air and survive out of water up to three days. Voracious
predator. Competes with native fish for resources. Considered an
invasive species of high concern in Virginia.
(Channa argus) Brown Marmorated
Stinkbug
There are many native species of stinkbug in Virginia, but this
species is an invasive pest from Japan, China and southeast Asia.
Accidentally introduced in the 1990s, probably in
shipping containers.
Causes severe damage to crops and ornamental plants. Moves
indoors when weather cools, sometimes in large numbers.
Water Chestnut (Halyomorpha halys)
Aquatic plant that grows in dense floating mats.
Native of Europe, Asia and Africa.
First observed in U.S. in 1850s.
Limits light. Reduces oxygen levels. Competes with native
vegetation. Little value to waterfowl. Limits aquatic recreational
activities. Sharp fruits can wound.
(Trapa natans)
r 149 r
