50 Nebraskaland • May 2022
MIXED BAG
Entomology staff with the Nebraska Department of
Agriculture have participated in the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission's Outdoor Discovery Days for several
years. Elementary students from across the state attend
hands-on outdoor learning opportunities each spring, held
at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and Platte River State
Park. Students learn new outdoor skills and increase their
knowledge of wildlife and the outdoors.
This spring, youth attending Outdoor Discovery Days
will have the opportunity to learn about exotic and invasive
insects that threaten Nebraska's trees. NDA staff will teach
students about invasive insects including spotted lanternfl y,
emerald ash borer (EAB) and Asian longhorned beetle.
Activities will help students better understand the biology
and identifi cation of these pests, preferred hosts, signs and
symptoms of infestation, and how to prevent pests from
becoming established in Nebraska.
Outreach is a very important part of NDA's work to protect
the state from the introduction and establishment of invasive
species. Teaching the industry and citizens about invasive
species increases the number of eyes looking for signs and
symptoms of these pests. As
more people across the state
know what to look for and how to
report possible invasive species
sightings, the potential increases
that an infestation can be found
early when eradication is most
likely to be successful.
If you think you have seen
an exotic invasive species not
known to occur in Nebraska, such
as spotted lanternfl y or Asian
longhorned beetle, or think you've
found EAB in a Nebraska county
not known to be infested, please report it. Collect the insect
or take pictures. Note the time of day and location where
you found the pest. Reports can be sent to NDA by emailing
agr.plant@nebraska.gov. Or use the Nebraska Invasive
Species Programs online reporting tool, found at
neinvasives.com/report-a-sighting. Together, we can help
protect Nebraska from invasive plant pests.
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY DAYS
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Asian longhorn beetle.
KENNETH R. LAW, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Spotted lanternfl y.
RICH GARDNER, BUGWOOD.ORG
