58 Nebraskaland • May 2019
Invasive species are a serious threat to Nebraska, with
the potential to cause millions of dollars in damage to the
state's agricultural and natural resources. The Nebraska
Department of Agriculture Entomology Program annually
conducts surveys to monitor for the introduction of invasive
plant pests. Early detection of these pests is vital to either
successfully eradicate or limit the spread.
The Department of Agriculture coordinates with the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to monitor for
invasive insects at state parks and recreation areas, which
are considered high risk for invasive pest introductions. Most
insect traps are in place by late May and remain in place until
October.
A large purple prism trap in the canopy of an ash tree is
part of the department's survey for emerald ash borer. The
larvae of this insect is easily transported in firewood, making
campgrounds a likely spot for the introduction of this pest.
Another large trap that can be found in parks around the
state is the black cross vein panel trap. This trap is roughly
three feet in height, and hung from a heavy metal pole near
hardwood trees. The target of this trap is the velvet longhorn
beetle, an invasive beetle found in South Dakota in 2018.
Lindgren funnel traps have four to eight black funnels
arranged in an accordion style, with a collection cup at the
bottom. The trap's appearance mimics a tree trunk. Each trap
is baited with a lure to attract either the walnut twig beetle
or oak ambrosia beetle.
A small, triangular trap tucked into hardwood foliage is
likely a Gypsy moth trap. This delta trap is baited with a
pheromone lure to attract male gypsy moths. More than 500
of these traps will be set statewide.
Each of these traps is part of an early detection program to
protect our state from invasive species. While the traps may
cause a few second looks, they pose no danger to people.
For more information on the plan pest survey program, visit
the Department of Agriculture's website at nda.nebraska.
gov/plant/entomology/pest_survey/index.html.
INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN NEBRASKA
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska
Department of Agriculture
KARLA
SALP,
WASHINGTON
STATE
DEPARTMENT
OF
AGRICULTURE,
BUGWOOD.ORG
UNIVERSITY
OF
ARKANSAS
FOREST
ENTOMOLOGY
LAB,
UNIVERSITY
OF
ARKANSAS,
BUGWOOD.ORG
KENNETH
E.
GIBSON,
USDA
FOREST
SERVICE,
BUGWOOD.ORG
MIXED BAG