Issue 66
June 15, 2006

Weather Trivia

 You Asked Us

Environment Canada's knowledgeable specialists answer questions about wildlife, air pollution, water, weather, climate change and other aspects of the environment.

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I believe I have found and kept an Asian Long-horned Beetle. Who should I show it to in order to confirm that it is in fact one? Who could advise how to try to isolate them, if there are more, to prevent any further damage?

If you think you have found an Asian Long-horned Beetle, you should contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency immediately. The toll free number to report findings is 1-800-442-2342.

Do not move any items from affected areas, including nursery stock, firewood and fallen or pruned branches. This will reduce the risk of spreading the beetle.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reports that this insect does not pose a threat to public health, but the beetle does pose a significant risk to Canada's trees and forests.

The Asian Long-horned Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis, is an invasive insect native to Asia. The beetle feeds on branches and twigs, and tunnels through healthy trunks, eventually killing the host tree. The majority of Canadian broadleaf trees are at risk from this insect, including all species of maple, elm, poplar and willow. Other at-risk tree species include birch, horsechestnut, silk, sycamore (London Plane), mountain ash and hackberry. Evergreen or coniferous trees are not attacked by this beetle.

The Asian Long-horned Beetle has no natural controls in North America that would prevent its spread. Native to China, Korea and Japan, this insect can bore into trees used in the manufacture of wood packaging materials and emerge at export destinations. Reports show that these beetles threaten to spread into Canadian hardwood forests, jeopardizing $11 billion in wood products each year.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency website on the Asian Long-horned Beetle shows some comparisons to native beetles and provides more information about appropriate behaviour if you believe you have discovered this or other invasive insects.

Related Links:

• Asian Long-horned Beetle
• Invasive Alien Species in Canada
• Invasive Species Database