Whitespotted sawyer beetles out and about

Over the past week or so, biologists across Massachusetts and other New England states have reported seeing whitespotted sawyer beetles, the beetle most often confused with Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). The whitespotted sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus), a native beetle that attacks diseased and damaged pine trees, emerges from trees earlier in the season than ALB, which is not expected to be seen in Massachusetts until July.

Similar reports have been coming in via our ALB reporting form this week. Below is a photo, sent in today from Whitman, Massachusetts by Scott Pelletier, showing a whitespotted sawyer. This is a great shot of the beetle, making it easy for an expert to determine the species. Using the notes we've added that point out the tell-tale signs that this is a sawyer beetle, not ALB, you too can learn the difference between these two lookalikes:

(Click on the image to see it in full size)

If you see a longhorned beetle and are concerned that it might be ALB, it is always better to report it. For more information, check out this comparison of whitespotted sawyer and ALB.

(Below, for comparison: ALB - The real thing)

(Thanks to Scott for giving us permission to post his photo)

Winter moth caterpillars

If you've noticed an onslaught of little green caterpillars devouring the leaves on your trees, you are not alone - winter moth caterpillar season has kicked into high gear. We are receiving many reports from our report-a-pest form of this pest attacking trees, particularly in the eastern and southeastern part of the state. Many of you seeing this damage now will remember the moth in its adult form, as it is one of few moths in flight during the winter months.

While there are a variety of treatments to protect trees from winter moth and other defoliating caterpillars, one of the most promising management techniques is the effort to develop a biological control for this pest. Biologists at UMass Amherst have been working on just such a program, but it will take several years for the biocontrol to establish, so expect winter moths to continue to be a problem. More information about winter moth is available on our fact sheet.

Now Hiring: ALB Outreach/Survey Technician

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring a Contracted Seasonal Employee for the position of ALB Outreach/Survey Technician. The ideal job candidate will have excellent communication skills, a background in biology, and a drive to educate the entire state about the Asian longhorned beetle. For details, click here. Deadline to apply is May 25, 2009.

Getting the Landscape Message

Now that spring has sprung, UMass Extension is back with their biweekly edition of The Landscape Message, a discussion of what's growing, what pests are around, and what you should be doing to keep your garden or yard looking great. The Landscape Message divides Massachusetts up into 8 different regions so you can get specific growing conditions for your part of the state. This week's edition notes that winter moths are active right now, mentions the emergence of Eastern tent caterpillars, and suggests you keep an eye out for hemlock woolly adelgid and viburnum leaf beetles. To get an email reminder when this newsletter comes out, click here.

Asian longhorned beetle Newsletter

Issues 6 and 7 of the ALB Newsletter are now available online. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here.

Updated Invasive Plant Pages

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has recently updated the invasive plant pages on its website. Now that the "phase out" period has ended, the Prohibited Plant list has been simplified. You can also now view the list sorted by common or scientific name. If you would prefer a print version of this list, you can download it here.

The invasive plant regulations prohibit the sale, trade, purchase, distribution and related activities for all species on the list. If you have questions about the list or the regulations behind it, you can contact jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1735.