Asian Long-horned Beetle

Asian Long-horned Beetle

The Asian Long-horned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a wood-borer that attacks healthy hardwood trees. The only method of control is the destruction of infested trees. In the 1990's, Anoplophora was intercepted from wooden spools and other packing materials imported into Canada. Extensive surveys in both Canada and the USA revealed the presence of live wood-boring insects in many wood items entering North America. In 1992 hundreds of Asian long-horned beetles were intercepted in wood from China in one shipping container. The cargo and dunnage were fumigated and the pest has not been established in B.C. Regulations limiting the movement of wood to Canada from China are now in effect.

Asian long-horned beetles are about 2.5 to 4 cm in length, are black and shiny with white spots, and have long antennae that are banded with black and white. They are sometimes confused with the banded alder beetle (Rosalla funebris) in British Columbia.

Asian long-horned beetle Asian long-horned beetle.
Photo Credit: Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ. Image 0949056. ForestryImages.org. http://www.forestryimages.org/. February 19, 2002.

In China, Anoplophora glabripennis is known as the "starry sky beetle" and is considered a major pest of hardwood trees in many parts of the country. Based on the Chinese distribution and the recent U.S. infestations, it is estimated that the beetle would survive well in the hardwood forests of southern Canada. Anoplophora threatens many hardwood tree species, including Populus spp., Alnus ruba, Acer macrophyllum, and Arbutus menziesii.

The first report of this beetle being established outside of it's native range was from the cities of Brooklyn and Amityville, New York in 1996. Many trees were found to be heavily attacked, particularly maples. Quarantine and eradication procedures were quickly implemented to prevent further spread and to eliminate the population. More recently (July-August, 1998), three separate infestations were discovered in Chicago, Illinois. These infestations are also under quarantine and eradication actions. (CFIA, 2001-08-15)

The beetle causes damage to host trees by its wood-boring activity. Since beetle larvae live deep inside trees for most of the year, they can easily and unknowingly be moved in firewood, live trees, or untreated lumber.

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