Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)

The Asian longhorned beetle was first identified in North America in New York in 1996. Larvae of the beetle feed in the stems and branches of many hardwood tree species including maple, boxelder, alder, elm, birch, poplar, and willow. Continued feeding can lead to the death of branches and entire trees. Adults of the species are active from mid-May until early August. Since its discovery in New York, it has become established in Illinois, New Jersey, and Toronto, Ontario, where it is responsible for the destruction of over 8,000 trees. Recently a new infestation has been discovered near Carteret, New Jersey.

Signs of Asian longhorned beetle infestation include dieback of the upper crown, sawdust around the tree, and dime-sized, round emergence holes. These signs are similar to those produced by native longhorned beetles including the poplar borer Saperda calcarata (Say) which feeds on poplar and willow, and Stenocorus schaumii (LeConte) which feeds on ash and maple. The Bureau of Forestry has responded to many suspected public sightings of adult Asian longhorned beetles. Many times these reports turn out to be native, conifer-feeding longhorned beetle called the whitespotted sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus (Say)), which is similar in appearance to the Asian longhorned beetle. In addition Bureau of forestry personnel report results of ALB inspections from across the state. Latest results can be found in the December issue of FPM News found on the Forest Pest Management web site.

To report possible infested trees in Pennsylvania, contact:
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 1-866-253-7189, or
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry,
Division of Forest Pest Management (717) 948-3941.

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