Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Anoplophora glabripennis
| ITIS TSN: | 702482 |
| Presence: | Species of Concern |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | China, Korea and Japan |
Human Health
This species poses no known human health impacts.Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, Texas is not included in the quarantine area for this species. The USDA, along with some state governments, have established quarantine areas to prohibit the movement of solid wood packaging material (such as crates and pallets) out of states where the species is known to exist (see geographic distribution below) (USDA 2009c).Introduction Pathways
The species was first detected in the U.S. in Brooklyn, New York, in August 1996. Other infestations were reported near Chicago, Illinois, in July 1998 and New Jersey in October 2002. The primary pathway of introduction was through shipments of solid wood packaging material from Asia.Geographic Distribution
As of 2010, this species is not reported in Texas. Reports of infestations exist for portions of Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Asian long-horned beetles are strong fliers and can easily move from tree to tree.Specific Primary Habitats
Occurs in trees of agricultural areas, forests, scrub/shrub lands, and urban areas. In its invaded North American range, this beetle has been found to invade 20 species of trees, including maples, oaks, alder, hibiscus, ash, and cottonwood (Nowak et al. 2001).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
The Asian long-horned beetle can slowly kill a tree over a 3-5 year period and is a serious threat to numerous species of native, deciduous hardwood trees. Damage from infestations in Illinois, New Jersey, and New York has resulted in the removal of more than 30,000 trees and control costs in excess of $269 million since 1996. It is estimated that this species could ultimately impact the lumber, plant nursery, and tourism industries throughout the U.S. (USDA 2007).Physical Description
Adult Asian long-horned beetles are large, measuring up to 1" inches in length. The body is glossy black in color with numerous irregular, white spots. The distinctive black and white, segmented antennae are very long; measuring the length of the body on females and twice as long as the body of males. Adults may be seen from late spring through early fall depending on the region where found.Reproduction Characteristics
The life cycle is completed in about one year. Female beetles chew into the bark of the tree and deposit eggs. Males have been documented as guarding the female during this activity. After the eggs hatch (in approximately 2 weeks), grub-like larvae bore tunnels deeper into the tree where they feed on vascular tissue throughout the winter months. Larvae then create a pupal chamber where they transform into adults. Adults emerge from the tree through ½ inch exit holes. After several days of feeding, they will begin to mate. The number of eggs produced (between 30 and 80 eggs per female per lifetime) may vary depending on the species of tree utilized due to differences in factors such as nutrition and bark thickness (ISSG 2009b).Feeding
The beetle appears to attack healthy and stressed trees. Larvae living inside the tree, feed on vascular tissue (xylem and phloem). Adult Asian long-horned beetles feed on leaves, leaf stems and twigs.Control
Since early detection is key to preventing the spread and establishment of this species, regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential. Firewood and other tree materials should not be moved from quarantine areas. Infested trees should be removed (with the wood chipped and burned follow all burn laws in your area). Grind the remaining tree stump.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Larva of Asian long-horned beetle (A. glabripennis). Photo courtesy Thomas B. Denholm, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org. |
 Pupa of Asian long-horned beetle (A. glabripennis). Photo courtesy Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org. |
 Adult male Asian long-horned beetle (A. glabripennis). Photo courtesy Michael Bohne, Bugwood.org. |