58 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021
MIXED BAG
August is National Tree Check Month and is the perfect
time to step outside and examine the trees in your yard or
favorite park for signs and symptoms of attack by invasive
species.
A few pests are of particular concern to watch for during
National Tree Check Month. These include Asian longhorn
beetle, spotted lanternfly, and Gypsy moth. Each of these
invasive species has the potential to harm the community
forests and natural areas in Nebraska.
None of these insects are known to be established in
Nebraska, and we want to keep it that way. Finding an
infestation early is one of the best ways to stop the spread of
invasive plant pests.
When checking trees for evidence of insect infestation,
look for signs like exit holes, frass or saw dust, and chewed
leaves. Symptoms that the health of the tree is declining may
include yellowing of leaves, dying branches and overall tree
decline.
Asian longhorn beetle adults create very large exit holes
in the branches and trunk of the tree, nearly ½" in diameter,
as they exit the tree. The females chew a niche into the tree
bark, where they lay their egg. Asian longhorn beetles will
infest a variety of trees but prefer maples.
Spotted lanternfly is a large leafhopper, with wings folded
over its back in a tent shape. These insects prefer to feed on
Tree of Heaven, which itself is an invasive species. But they
will feed on other plants, causing damage with their piercing
sucking mouth parts. Look for sticky trunks and sooty mold
near the base of tree of heaven, especially in the fall, to try to
find spotted lanternflies.
Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on leaves and defoliate trees
in the spring and summer. They prefer oaks but will feed on
many broadleaf trees. The caterpillar has five pairs of blue
dots followed by six pairs of red dots on its back, and long
hairs along its body. By August, adults emerge to mate and
lay egg masses. Males are brown and have large feathery
antennae, while females are larger, white, and do not fly.
Report possible finds of any of these invasive species
to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-
2351 or agr.plant@nebraska.gov, or through the Nebraska
Invasive Species Program at https://neinvasives.com/report-
a-sighting.
TREE CHECK
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
From left: Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfl y, and gypsy moth.
BUGWOOD.ORG
