The Eyed Click Beetle: Another ALB "Look-Alike"

The whitespotted sawyer is not the only species which is frequently mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle. We have received several reports recently from concerned residents who thought they had ALB on their property, but it turned out to be another "look-alike" species: the eyed click beetle (Alaus oculatus).


Unlike ALB, the eyed click beetle is harmless. It is a native species, about 1 to 1 3/4 inches long, that gets its name from its unusual appearance and behavior. On its back are two large black spots surrounded by a white outline which look like eyes and serve to frighten predators away. When it falls on its back, it snaps or "clicks" a hinged joint between its head and thorax. This action springs the beetle into the air so that it can right itself.

The eyed click beetle habitat is dominated by different species of hardwood trees than that of ALB, including cherry, apple and oak. Unlike ALB, eyed click beetles do not attack live trees. Instead, larvae pupate in rotting logs or underground after emerging from eggs laid in the soil. The diet of the eyed click beetle is also different from that of ALB, consisting of grubs during the larva stage, and nectar or plant juices during the adult stage.

If you find an eyed click beetle, you can consider yourself lucky to see this interesting insect up close and can release it "back into the wild". As always, you can report any potential Asian longhorned beetles using our web form, or by calling 1-866-702-9938.

(Thanks to Helen Rosenberger for giving us permission to use her photo)

Emerald Ash Borer found in NY

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB") has found for the first time in Western New York. The invasive, wood-boring beetle was discovered earlier this week when USDA employees noticed suspicious damage to ash trees off of a highway in the town of Randolph, located in Cattaraugus County. So far, about 30 trees have been flagged as infested. Surveys over the coming weeks will help determine the extent of the infestation.

To prevent the spread of EAB to other parts of the state, New York is asking its residents to avoid bringing firewood to campgrounds or parks, and to instead purchase firewood from local vendors with proof of that firewood source. Also, New York is one of several states that now ban untreated firewood from entering their state. For more information about the dangers of moving firewood and other untreated wood long distances, visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/

More whitespotted sawyer beetle images

Here is a another great whitespotted sawyer beetle image, sent in by Mary Malley:

This is a specimen we inspected earlier today, also whitespotted pine sawyer:

Note the distinct white half-moon shape at the top of the wing covers, behind the neck.

Here is an Asian longhorned beetle for comparison (this photo was taken in August 2008 - ALB is not expected to emerge from the trees until July):

Note that Asian longhorned beetle is a much shinier black than the whitespotted sawyer. It is also missing that distinct white half-circle at the top of its wing covers, and it has a bluish tinge to its feet.