Asian Longhorn Beetle
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is large insect, ranging in size from 0.75-1.25 inches long. The beetle has noticeable long black and white antennae. The body is glossy black with irregular white spots. The adult beetles are poor fliers, generally flying short distances to neighboring trees. The beetles feed on a variety of hardwood trees and pose a significant threat to northeast hardwood forests. The USDA estimates the Asian longhorned beetle could cause as much as $138 billion in damage to the U.S. economy if not contained. Adult beetles can be seen from late spring to fall depending on the climate. Scientists believe that the Asian Longhorned Beetle came from China in wood crating, pallets or braces used to support cargo during shipping.
Females chew pits in the bark used for depositing eggs. Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks, and the young larvae begin feeding and boring into the wood. Older, larger larvae tunnel deep into the wood, periodically pushing coarse sawdust out of entrance holes. The larvae spend the winter in the tree, emerging as adults in late spring. It usually only takes one year to go from egg to adult. There are no U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved pesticides which effectively control the Asian longhorned beetle.
If you see this beetle call the USDA toll free: NY: (866) 265-0301, NJ: (866) BEETLE1
View the USDA Forest Service Pest Alert for the Asian Longhorned Beetle
Additional information
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB), after devasting trees in the Midwest, is spreading across the country and is expected to spread soon to New Jersey where there are many ash trees, particularly in the northwest of the state. Millions of trees have been killed already. In this case, trees will likely die from the top down, causing a safety and environmental issue for residents. Please take a minute to read the information, determine if you have Ash trees on your property and begin to formulate a plan for dealing with the potential devastation.
View the Rutgers NJ Agricultural Program Presentation HERE
For more information, please see the following:
- Do you know what an Ash Tree looks like? Visit this website
- Interstate transport of firewood and other forest product rules from the USDA
- USDA Forest Service Info
- USDA APHIS Animal & Plant Inspection Service
- USDA Pest Alert - Emerald Ash Borer Flyer
- Emerald Ash Bore Pest Notice from NJ State Forestry Service
- A League of Municipalities Magazine Article on the Emerald Ash Borer
- Map of NJ Municipalities with confirmed Emerald Ash Borer
- NJ EAB Task Force Pest Alert Emerald Ash Borer
- How to identify an Ash Tree
- Shade Tree Committee Inventory of Ash Trees
Anyone interested in diagnostic assistance can contact theRutgers Plant Diagnosic Lab,where they are able to examine samples for Emerald Ash Borer. Requestors are asked to contact the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab and will probably be asked to bring a sample of the beetle, larvae, and/or sample of symptomatic tissue.
Spotted Lanternfly
In the USA, spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that could be very devastating to some New Jersey crops and hardwood trees. This insect was accidentally introduced into Pennsylvania and was confirmed in the state in September 2014.
Call the state Department of Agriculture to report at 609-406-6943. More info is on their website.
Spotted Lanternfly checklist.
View the Rutgers NJ Agricultural Program Presentation HERE.
More info from the Raritan Headwaters