Anoplophora glabripennis
Motschulsky, 1853 (Asian longhorned beetle ) |
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Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Cerambycidae Synonym(s): |
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Adult Description: ALB is a large, distinctive-looking insect measuring 1 to 1.5 inches long, not including its antennae. These antennae, which give the insect its common name, are as long as the body itself in females and almost twice the body length in males. The insect's body is shiny black with white spots; the antennae are banded in black and white. During summer months, adult beetles can be spotted on walls, outdoor furniture, cars, sidewalks, and tree limbs and branches. Larva Description: Non descriptive. Most field identification is done using adults. Host Plant: Most hardwood trees. History: ALB came to the United States concealed in solid wood packing material, the pallets and crates used to transport goods from overseas. Nobody is sure exactly when the first ALB arrived here. Biology: While these beetles can fly for distances of 400 yards or more in search of a host tree, they tend to lay eggs in the same tree from which they emerged as adults until the insect population becomes too dense on that tree. Ecological Threat: This insect is a serious threat to many species of deciduous hardwood trees in the United States (e.g., maple, elm, willow, birch, horsechestnut, and poplar). During its larval stage, the ALB bores deep into a tree's heartwood, where it feeds on nutrients. This tunneling damages, and eventually kills, the tree. This beetle poses a broad threat to forest ecosystems due to its lack of host specificity. US Habitat: Found in hardwood trees. Can invade, forests, suburban and urban areas, parks, wildlands, etc. Distribution
Resembles: In Texas, it closely resembles the Cottonwood Borer (Plectrodera scalator) -- see this link. Please refer to Asian Longhorn Beetle Look-alikes for more information. Management: There are no known methods of chemical or herbicidal eradication, but the USDA and APHIS are working to develop these products to eradicate the species in the known infested areas. It is important to notify local forest authorities if an alleged Asian longhorned beetle has been sighted. If identified, any host trees will be removed rapidly with replacement planting to prevent establishment of the beetle in a new area. Text References
Data Source
Last Updated: 2020-07-07 by Hans Landel - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center |
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