NOVEMBER 2016 • NEBRASKAland 19
By Julie Van Meter
State Entomologist, Nebraska
Department of Agriculture
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB)
(Anoplophora glabripennis) is an
emerging threat to hardwood trees in
the U.S. A federal quarantine prohibits
the movement of hardwood firewood
out of infested areas because, much
like the emerald ash borer, ALB can
easily be transported in firewood.
The Asian longhorned beetle is a
large, beautiful beetle. Adult beetles are
approximately three-quarters of an inch
to 1
1
⁄2 inch long.
They have a shiny black body with
white spots, long black antennae with
white bands, and feet that may appear
bluish in color. The larvae are creamy
white and grub-like, and grow rather
large before pupating. Female beetles
chew out niches in the bark and lay
eggs in those niches.
Signs of an ALB infestation include
large round exit holes, up to three-
eighths of an inch in diameter, bark
niches and coarse, sawdust-like frass on
the ground and branches. Trees infested
with ALB may exhibit branch or crown
die-back. Repeated infestations will
eventually result in tree death. Nebraska
has several species of trees that could
be infested by ALB, including maples,
box elder, elm, birch and ash.
ALB has not been found in
Nebraska. But there is concern that
it could be introduced to the state,
especially through infested firewood.
So the next time you are out among
the trees, remember that you have an
opportunity to help protect our state's
trees from invasive pests. Take a few
minutes to look at the trees around you.
Determine if the trees have a healthy
canopy. Dead branches, die-back
and early leaf drop may indicate pest
problems. Look for large emergence
holes on the upper branches and trunk
that may indicate an ALB infestation,
or frass accumulating in the branch
crotches or base of the
tree.
If you see an adult
beetle, try to capture it
or take a picture. Report any suspected
ALB infestations to the Nebraska
Department of Agriculture at
402-471-2351.
For more information on ALB, visit
beetlebusters.info. Finally, to help
protect all our trees from invasive pests,
buy locally harvested firewood at your
camping destination, and don't bring
leftover firewood home with you. ■
Bug Banter
Presented by
Be On Alert for
Asian Longhorned
Beetle Infestation
Adult Asian longhorned beetle and bark
niches.
KENNETH R. LAW, USDA APHIS PPQ, BUGWOOD.ORG
