ALB Pocket Guide

Introducing the Pocket Guide to the Asian longhorned Beetle, an easy way of putting everything you need to know about ALB right in your pocket. Built from a single sheet of paper, the guide is folded and fit together with a simple cut along the dotted line. This guide was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and features information you can use to identify ALB, ALB tree damage, host trees, and similar species.

To download and print your own ALB Pocket Guide, click here. Folding instructions are on page 2 of the file. And keep your eye out for more pocket guides to the pests, pathogens and weeds that impact Massachusetts.

The Aliens Have Landed!

A while ago, we blogged about "Aliens Have Landed: Exotic Invasive Species of New England," an ABC book about invasive species written by students at the Fall Brook Elementary in Leominster, MA. We're happy to report that to help get the word out about invasive species, Ms. Fiandaca and her class have generously allowed us to share a digital copy of "Aliens Have Landed" for anyone to view and print out. Perhaps it will inspire other groups of children to create their own guides.

Please note that the file is 10Mb and may take a while to download.

Free ALB Training Session in Worcester 2/24

It has now been more than a year since the Asian Longhorned Beetle ("ALB") was first discovered in Worcester. Residents of Greater Worcester can probably all list a number of ways that this beetle has negatively impacted their lives. While one of the most important things you can do to keep ALB from spreading is to be vigilant about reporting it when you see it, how many of you out there reading this actually know how to recognize ALB or signs of ALB tree damage?

To help residents of Greater Worcester educate themselves about this invasive pest, Jennifer Forman Orth, Ph.D., an invasive species expert with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, will be holding an Asian Longhorned Beetle training session in Worcester on February 24, 2010. Jennifer is the Massachusetts coordinator for the Northeast Forest Pests Survey and Outreach Project, a multi-state effort launched in 2008, when the Asian Longhorned Beetle was first identified in Worcester. The goal of the project is to teach people how to identify signs of ALB and how to report possible sightings.

These sessions have been run not only in Worcester, but all over Massachusetts, including Boston, Fall River, Framingham, and Springfield, training hundreds of people and providing them with the tools to educate others about ALB. Jennifer will be returning to Worcester on Wednesday, February 24th at 1pm, to hold an ALB training session at the First Baptist Church. This session includes hands on training with beetle specimens and damaged wood. Attendees will also receive a pack of resource materials to assist them with identification of ALB and ALB tree damage, a guide to host trees, and more. Following the training, USDA staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the ALB Eradication Program.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Educators and local government staff are encouraged to attend. The First Baptist Church is located at the intersection of Park Ave. and Salisbury St., next to Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The church is handicapped accessible and there is parking on the premises. ALB T-shirts will be given to the first 50 registrants. Call 508-755-6143 or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us to register.

New "Asian Longhorned Beetle Look-Alikes" Mini-Poster Available

A new "Asian Longhorned Beetle Look-Alikes" mini-poster is now available from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. It features an image and description of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), an invasive and highly destructive pest which attacks hardwood trees, along with seven of the insects that ALB is most often confused with in Massachusetts. The mini-poster, based on a design from the Maine Department of Agriculture, can easily be printed on a standard 8.5x11 inch piece of paper and is ideal to hand out at outreach events or to post in schools and offices.

This sheet will come in handy during the spring and summer, when adult beetles are most active. In fall and winter, the one ALB look-alike you are likely to see is the Western conifer seed bug, which seeks temporary shelter from cold weather inside homes and other buildings. In the spring and early summer, the most commonly reported ALB look-alike is the native whitespotted pine sawyer beetle. Unlike ALB, which attacks live trees, the whitespotted pine sawyer only attacks dead or dying conifers. Also seen in the summer are the broadnecked root borer, a native pest that damages the root system of trees, the eyed click beetle, also native, and various other longhorned beetle species with the characteristic long antennae.

Look for this mini-poster at upcoming events, including New England Grows and the Lumber and Building Materials Expo, or print copies to hand out at your own events.

For more information about ALB, or to report a sighting, visit the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program website.

Come See What's "Lurking in the Trees"

"Lurking in the Trees," the new documentary about the devastating invasion of the Asian Longhorned Beetle, will be screened next Wednesday, January 20th, at 7:30pm at Sudbury Grange Hall in Sudbury, MA. The screening is presented by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Sudbury Grange. After the movie, a question and answer session will be held, to be facilitated by Jennifer Forman Orth, Ph.D., State Plant Pest Survey Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Beetle specimens and damaged wood will also be on display. This event is free and open to the public.

"Lurking in the Trees" tells the story of the recently discovered Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) infestation in greater Worcester. First discovered in Worcester in August 2008, this is the fifth known infestation of ALB in North America. Some experts fear that the infestation, which has already cost 25,000 trees, may be discovered in other cities and towns across the Commonwealth and New England. The film presents Worcester as a town that could be anywhere in America, filled with people who are seeing the devastation of forest pests on a personal level and rising to the challenge of protecting the entire region’s vital natural resources.

“As the first state with any substantial hardwood forest resources and the gateway to the Northeastern U. S. maple sugar industry, eradication of ALB is an urgent matter for our Commonwealth,” said Commissioner Scott Soares. “Thanks in large part to the outstanding partnership of local, state, and federal entities, we have already seen great gains on ALB eradication and I look forward to our sustained efforts to protect the agricultural and forest resources of Massachusetts.”

“The loss of trees really means something to everybody,” said Jordan Levy, WTAG radio talk show host. “You don’t have to be a big-time environmentalist to get this message. All you have to do is drive down some of the streets that don’t have any more trees, and see the whole difference in your lifestyle.”

For more about the Lurking in the Trees documentary, visit www.lurkinginthetrees.org. For all the latest information about Asian longhorned beetle in Massachusetts, visit our ALB page.

Asian Longhorned Beetle documentary to air at Mass. State House

A different sort of "Beetlemania" is set for the Massachusetts State House next week, where a screening of the new documentary "Lurking in the Trees" will be held. The film tells the story of the recent Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation in greater Worcester. Some experts fear that the infestation, which has already cost 25,000 trees, may be discovered in other cities and towns across Massachusetts and New England.

Lurking in the Trees presents Worcester as a town that could be anywhere in America, filled with people who are seeing the devastation of forest pests on a personal level and rising to the challenge of protecting the entire region’s vital natural resources.

The screening is being sponsored by Worcester legislators Senator Harriette Chandler, Senator Michael Moore, Representative Jim O’Day, Representative John Binienda, Representative John Fresolo, Representative Vincent Pedone, and Representative Robert Spellane; Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray, Commissioner Richard Sullivan of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; Commissioner Scott Soares of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources; the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and the Nature Conservancy. Held on Monday, January 10th, the screening will be followed by a briefing and question-and-answer period, and is open to all legislators.

“This event will not only educate legislators from across the Commonwealth about the ALB in Worcester but it will address the relevancy of this infestation for every community by answering such question like how would this sort of devastation impact your city or town; is the ALB likely to spread to your community; what will be the overall economic impacts on Massachusetts and New England at large?” said Representative Jim O’Day. “Legislators will greatly benefit from information provided by the experts, advocates, and allies sponsoring this event.”

“The devastating effects of the ALB infestation are not isolated or limited to Worcester and Central Massachusetts,” said Senator Harriette Chandler. “As the state deals with this growing problem, it is important for all of us to consider what it means for our communities and what the economic and social effects will be on individual towns, cities, the Commonwealth, and beyond.”

“The loss of trees really means something to everybody,” said Jordan Levy, WTAG radio talk show host. “You don’t have to be a big-time environmentalist to get this message. All you have to do is drive down some of the streets that don’t have any more trees, and see the whole difference in your lifestyle.”

While Greater Worcester is working to prevent ALB from spreading further decimating the tree population, the beetle remains a threat to New England forests. The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organization that protects ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people around the world, will be airing Lurking in the Trees on television stations across the country in an effort to warn residents to keep an eye out for the pests. To order a copy of the DVD, visit the Lurking in the Trees website.

Lurking in the Trees is a production of The Hamburger Company. Its sponsors are The Nature Conservancy, the United State Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Grantham Foundation for the Environment, the United State Forest Service and the Continental Dialogue on Non-native Forest Insects and Diseases.

Source: Press release

ALB Maple Posters Now Available!

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has developed a new Asian longhorned beetle poster that highlights the threat that the beetle poses to maples and other hardwood trees. The poster is full-color, 18" by 24" and includes high-quality images generously shared by several photographers.

The poster focuses on the potential impact of ALB on Massachusetts maple trees and the state's maple syrup industry if this invasive pest were allowed to spread. Later this month, MDAR will distribute copies to attendees at the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association's Annual Meeting in Buckland, MA. The posters are also free to anyone in Massachusetts planning to do outreach about ALB, and are ideal for use by conservation organizations, schools, nurseries, maple product retailers, and others wanting to help spread the word about ALB. Look for free copies at New England Grows, the Lumber and Building Materials Expo, and maple-related events throughout the year. Individuals can also download a high-quality printable pdf of the poster.

Fall Brook Elementary Students Write Book About Invasive Species

Students at Fall Brook Elementary in Leominster, MA have written an ABC book about invasive species titled, "Aliens Have Landed: Exotic Invasive Species of New England". The book details exotic pests from the Asian longhorned beetle to the zebra mussel.

The students, now in the sixth grade, created the book last year in their science class as part of a Community Service Learning Project focusing on educating students and community members about invasive species.

Each page of the book, designed for grades 1-3, was written by a different student and describes the damage to the environment caused by non-native pests. One student wrote about the Asian longhorned beetle, "You wouldn't want to find one of these climbing up your hardwood trees!" Another wrote about invasive species in general, "Spread the word about these dreaded invaders!" The entries in the book are accompanied by inventive and colorful drawings.

Teacher Lynn Fiandaca said the students "loved everything about the project" and became experts on the invasive species they studied. She said she was "impressed with their dedication to learning and sharing information with the community. They really did develop a sense of stewardship and commitment to keep our local ecosystem healthy and diverse."

To help get the word out about invasive species, Ms. Fiandaca and her class have generously allowed us to share a digital copy of "Aliens Have Landed" for anyone to view and print out. Perhaps it will inspire other groups of children to create their own guides.

The Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project (MIPOP), created by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, often sends teachers information about invasive species, including flyers, posters and DVDs. Staff from MIPOP also visit schools in MA to give talks to students about the Asian longhorned beetle and other invaders. Teachers interested in ordering outreach materials or scheduling talks can contact jennifer.forman-orth (AT) state.ma.us.

ALB Tree Surveys: Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources Asian Longhorned Beetle tree surveys in Boston and Springfield.

These are both street tree surveys. There will be a brief training session before the survey starts, and all the supplies you need will be provided, including binoculars (or bring them if you have them). You should bring comfortable walking shoes and drinking water.

Survey schedule:

• Boston - Sunday, Nov. 15th, 9am-11am (Rescheduled from Saturday due to inclement weather!)
  Meet at the intersection of Commonwealth Ave. Mall and Arlington St. (look for folks wearing ALB buttons)
  Co-sponsored by the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and Friends of the Public Garden
  Download a flyer for the event here
• Springfield - Monday, Nov. 9th, 12pm-1:30pm
  Meet at Mom and Rico’s, 899 Main St., Springfield, MA
  Co-sponsored by the Springfield Dept. of Parks & Recreation
  Download a flyer for the event here

To register for either event, contact Jennifer at 617-626-1735 or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us.

Yet Another ALB 'Lookalike' Species: The Western Conifer Seed Bug

Reports sometimes come in through our ALB reporting form from Massachusetts residents worried that they have seen Asian longhorned beetles inside their houses. In actuality, many of these reports turn out to be another ALB 'look-alike' species: the Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). This insect has a brown body about 3/4 of an inch long, alternating white and brown marks on its lower body surrounding the wings, and back legs that have a distinct flattened leaf-like shape (see photo). The Asian longhorned beetle, by contrast, has a very shiny black body with prominent white spots. Also, the antennae of the Western conifer seed bug are brown and lack the alternating black and white bands found on the antennae of ALB.

Unlike Asian longhorned beetles, which overwinter as wormlike larvae, deep inside hardwood trees, adult Western conifer seed bugs escape cold temperatures by seeking shelter in houses and other warm locations. At this time of year, you may find a Western conifer seed bug lurking around the foundation of your house, or buzzing around a window screen looking to escape the approaching autumn weather. If you have encountered this insect pest before, you may also have had the unpleasant experience of smelling the acrid, citrusy-smelling liquid it emits when startled.

Western conifer seed bugs are native to the west coast of the USA, but have been established on the east coast since the 1990s. Unlike ALB, a non-native and serious pest of hardwood trees, the Western conifer seed bug is only considered a minor pest of the coniferous trees they attack (pine, Douglas fir and hemlock). However, these bugs can be a major inconvenience if they find a way to enter your home. Small infestations can be handled by sealing up any crevices that the bugs could be using to sneak in (holes in screens, chimneys, loose window fittings, etc.) and by capturing escapees by hand or by shop vac. Larger infestations may require consultation with a licensed pest specialist.

To learn more about the Western conifer seed bug, read this fact sheet from Cornell University's Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. To report a potential sighting of Asian longhorned beetle, click here.

Help Needed: ALB Tree Surveys

Volunteers are needed NOW to assist the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources with Asian Longhorned Beetle tree surveys in the Boston and Springfield areas. The surveys are being held to train volunteers and to raise awareness about the beetle in parts of the state where ALB is more likely to show up (but hasn't yet!):

• Boston: THIS THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 12pm-1:30pm, Boston Public Garden


• Springfield: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 10am-11:30am, South Springfield, meeting location TBD

No experience necessary, we'll train you on site! Register and get a free ALB t-shirt. Call 617-626-1735 or email jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us for details.

For the latest information about the Asian longhorned beetle in Massachusetts, or to report a potential sighting, click here.

The Broadnecked Root Borer: Not to be Confused with ALB

In addition to the eyed click beetle and the whitespotted sawyer beetle, another insect commonly mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle ("ALB") is the broadnecked root borer (Prionus laticollis). The broadnecked root borer is a black or reddish brown beetle, up to one and a half inches long, whose appearance differs from ALB in that it is more robust and does not have white spots. The root borer's antennae are also shorter than that of ALB - less than a body length in the male (top photo) and even shorter in the female (bottom photo). The female also has a visible ovipositor when laying eggs, unlike ALB.

Similar to ALB, the root borer is considered a pest species of deciduous trees; however, unlike ALB, it is a native species and has a much wider distribution, covering much of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. As its name implies, the root borer causes damage to the root system of the tree, while ALB damages the upper canopy. The root borer attacks some of the same tree species as ALB, including maple and willow, however, unlike the ALB, the root borer is also a pest of shrubs, fruit trees, pecan, hickory, oak and dogwood.

During the life cycle of the root borer the larvae hatch from eggs laid in soil or under leaf litter and then tunnel towards and feed upon tree and shrub roots. Root borers pupate in the soil before emerging as adults, unlike ALB which pupates in the heartwood of trees. Root borers typically attack weakened trees and shrubs, so to avoid this pest, keep your plants healthy. If you suspect one of your trees or shrubs has root borer damage, it is best to consult a certified arborist or other tree care expert.

Photo credits: Michael Bohne, USFS

ALB Train-the-Trainer Sessions

Update: New session on 8/26 at 8:30am just added! The 8/11 Boston session is now full! Email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us to be notified of future sessions.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle Outreach and Survey Project is looking for volunteers to receive training about ALB and other forest pests. Register now for an Asian Longhorned Beetle "Train the Trainer" session and get the tools you need to teach others about Asian longhorned beetle and protect your neighborhood from this invasive pest!

These sessions, organized by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, are geared towards environmental group leaders, tree care professionals, master gardeners, and anyone else that is willing to commit to passing on this valuable information to the rest of the community. Come to a train-the-trainer session and leave with:

• The ability to recognize ALB and tree damage caused by ALB
• Tips to distinguish ALB from similar species and to recognize when tree damage is not caused by ALB
• Copies of various outreach materials and other cool ALB gear to distribute to the people you will be training
• Access to beetle specimens and damaged wood for your own training sessions
• The latest information on the infestation in Worcester

Boston sessions (UMass Boston)

• August 26th, 8:30am-10:30am
• August 11th, 6pm-8pm (SESSION NOW FULL!)
• July 28th, 8:30am-10:30am (SESSION NOW FULL!)

Springfield sessions: Emma’s Place, 1464 Parker St. Springfield, MA

• July 30th, 8:30am-10:30am
• August 13th, 6pm-8pm

Breakfast or dinner (pizza!) will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Sign up via the links above, or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us, or call 617-626-1735.

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)

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.

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)

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.

Asian longhorned beetle Newsletter

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

Worcester Students Organize ALB Road Race

Students at Burncoat High School in Worcester, determined to help their neighborhood recover from the Asian longhorned beetle infestation, have organized the Burncoat “Beetle Battle” Road Race, to be held on May 2nd. Funds raised through this effort will be used to support the effort to replant in the wake of ALB-infested tree removals in the Burncoat area. In addition to the 5k run/walk, there will be family activities that aim to bring everyone out to support this neighborhood effort. To register, download and send in this form. If you are on Facebook, you can also show your support by joining the Beetle Battle FB group.

Check your trees for ALB damage!

With spring having officially sprung last week, it will not be long before the trees start leafing out. That means this is your last prime opportunity to check your trees for damage caused by the Asian longhorned beetle before the leaves make it harder to see the trunks and branches. For more information, including tips on what signs to look for, check this note from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. You can also download a printable ALB damage detection sheet here.

Two oviposition sites with an exit hole in between

Fresh oviposition site. Older oviposition site that is healing over.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 5

Issue 5 of the ALB Newsletter, with the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. To get the newsletter as soon as it comes out, sign up.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 4

Issue 4 of the ALB Newsletter, with the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. To get the newsletter as soon as it comes out, sign up here.

ALB: Before and After

Tree removals in the parts of Worcester most heavily impacted by the Asian longhorned beetle infestation have been underway since January. For an idea of how seriously the beetle has impacted Worcester, here are a pair of shots from Granville Ave., showing the same view both before and after the trees were taken down. Click on each image to see it in original size:



(Photos by Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ)

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 3

Issue 3 of the ALB Newsletter, with the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter, you can sign up for this and other pest alerts here.

ALB Lookalikes

Massachusetts is home to many insects that could be confused with the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, including several native longhorned beetle species. See if you can recognize the Asian longhorned beetles in the image below (click on the image to view it large):


The "Find the Asian Longhorned Beetle!" quiz is available as a high-resolution print. Use it as a single sheet, or cut out the individual squares to use for group identification activities. The answers to the quiz can be found here.

Some of the images above are actual photos sent in by Massachusetts citizens concerned that they had spotted ALB. We are grateful to the following people for allowing their photos to be used in this project: Todd Pearson, smcann, Greg Shuler, Ralph Hebert, Natasha Wright and Troy Bartlett. If you think you have seen Asian longhorned beetle, you can report it here.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 2

Issue 2 of the ALB Newsletter, with the the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter, you can sign up for this and other pest alerts here.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 1

The first issue of the ALB Newsletter, which provides information about the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter, you can sign up for this and other pest alerts here.

New ALB Newsletter

Stay informed about all of the latest Asian longhorned beetle news with a new email newsletter from the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project (MIPOP). The newsletter will report ALB-related happenings in our state, from news reports and updated maps to upcoming presentations and training opportunities.

To subscribe to the new MIPOP ALB newsletter, just go to our pest alerts signup page and select "Asian Longhorned Beetle." If you've already subscribed to our other pest alerts, just leave that part blank and they will remain unchanged. The newsletter will be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how much news there is to report.

If your organization has timely ALB-related news that you would like to have included in the newsletter, email details here.

To report a potential Asian longhorned beetle sighting (adult beetles or damaged trees/firewood), use our online reporting form, or call 1-866-702-9938.

Spotting Asian longhorned beetle damage in winter

Update: Download these winter ALB ID tips in printable format with photos.

While the state and the federal government are actively surveying Massachusetts for invasive, wood boring beetles, it has always been the keen eye of a concerned citizen that discovers Asian longhorned beetle when it infests a new area. Asian longhorned beetles attack a variety of hardwood trees, particularly maple, birch, willow, poplar and elm. As of October 2009, more than 15,000 infested trees have been found in the Worcester area, and all will need to be removed and replaced.

The egg-laying sites and exit holes along the trunk and branches of ALB-infested trees are not easily visible when the trees are in leaf. Now that branches are bare, you may be able to more easily spot damage. Some tips:

• Asian longhorned beetle adults lay their eggs in pits in the bark of the tree. Egg-laying sites, or "oviposition pits," are about 3/4 of an inch across, and look like when someone takes a bite out of an apple.
• The exit holes that the adults leave as they emerge from the tree are about 3/8 inch in diameter, and are perfectly round.
• If you see what looks like an exit hole, and you can reach it easily, see if you can fit the eraser end of a pencil into the hole, at least 1 inch deep.
• Try to figure out what kind of tree you are looking at. ALB likes hardwood trees, particularly maple, but stays away from oak and cherry. It does not attack conifers like pine or spruce.
• ALB typically leaves exit holes spread out across a tree, leaving room for each larva to develop. Series of round holes together in a line are more likely caused by woodpeckers or sapsuckers.

Report any suspicious tree damage to our website or hotline (1-866-702-9938). For more information about this pest, visit the Massachusetts Cooperative Eradication Program website.

A pile of wood from an infested maple tree
Two oviposition sites with an exit hole in between	Fresh oviposition site. Older oviposition site that is healing over.

Asian longhorned beetle damage on maple tree in Worcester, MA. Photos by P. Douglass, J. Forman Orth and M. Bohne.

Storm Emergency Update: ALB

The ice storm that just blasted parts of Massachusetts is impacting the Asian longhorned beetle regulated area (all of Worcester, and parts of the towns of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury and West Boylston) with tree damage, branch loss, and in some cases the loss of entire trees.

The ALB Cooperative Eradication Program is responding to this emergency by opening up the area's wood disposal site through December 14th:

Due to the significant amount of tree damage occuring right now, the USDA will keep the Ararat Street Disposal Site open from 8 am to 8 pm through Sunday December 14, 2008. All commercial contractors and municipal departments will have access. Requirements for vehicle decals and quarantine certificates are temporarily suspended for this weekend only. To mitigate the risk of artificial spread of the ALB infestation all wood regardless of species that cannot be chipped will be accepted at this site. Contractors and Municipalities are advised to continue chipping as much material as possible.

Additionally, the disposal site will remain open next week Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. ALB Regulatory Compliance Program protocols will resume Monday December 15, 2008 at 8 am. Additional compliance training sessions will be held starting Monday morning to facilitate clean up efforts by companies not currently certified to work in the regulated area. Companies may call 508-799-8327 for information.

Residents should hire a landscape or tree company to dispose of large limbs or to bring wood to the Ararat Street Disposal Site. Residents should make use of normal yard waste drop off locations for brush and small branches. Tree damage to a confirmed infested tree that has been marked by program officials with a red dot should be reported to the ALB Program office at (508) 799-8330.

This storm is yet another reminder of the damage that Asian longhorned beetle has already done in our state. These wood-boring beetles weaken trees from the inside, making it less likely that trees can survive natural disturbances without suffering damage. Larvae remain active inside the wood for most of the winter. Care should be taken to dispose of fallen trees and branches properly, and any wood from potential host trees should never be taken from the regulated area.

For more information about this pest, visit the official Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program website.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Invades Facebook!

The Asian longhorned beetle now has its own group on Facebook. Join up and show your support for the battle against this invasive, tree-destroying beetle. Members also get the latest ALB news, notices about upcoming outreach events, photos and more.

Get Compliance Training for ALB

If you have a business that could potentially be affected by the new Asian Longhorned Beetle regulations, you should make sure to sign up for one of the Compliance Training Sessions being held by the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program. The two-hour training and certification workshop will allow your business to enter into a compliance agreement and continue to operate within the regulated area.

Businesses that could be affected include any company performing work within the regulated area that results in the movement or transport of wood materials. Nurseries, landscapers, construction companies, tree removal services and firewood dealers are among the many businesses that have already received training. New sessions will be held 10/29/2008, 11/6/2008, 11/13/2008, and 11/20/2008. You can register online or call 508-799-8328 for more information.

Volunteers Wanted: Help Find ALB!

You help is needed this fall and winter in the search for the Asian longhorned beetle! The Greater Worcester Land Trust is enlisting volunteers to survey conservation land in the Worcester area for signs of the wood-boring invader. The initial goal of the GWLT is to cover a 150 acre parcel of conservation land, a mere 10% of the land that the trust is charged with protecting.

The survey crews meet every Thursday at noon to head out into the woods and look for signs of ALB damage. There is also a weekend event coming up soon for those of you who cannot make it during the work week. Any suspect trees are tagged and have their positions recorded by GPS. The information is then passed on to the ALB Cooperative Eradication Program for confirmation.

The GWLT is happy to train new volunteers on how to recognize the beetle, its host trees, and the damage it can cause. So far, the volunteers have had a pretty good track record at finding infested trees, but there is a lot of work left to do.

To sign up, contact the Greater Worcester Land Trust at 508-795-3838 or email anne@gwlt.org. You can read more about the GWLT's volunteer effort in this Worcester Telegram article.

Buy Local, Burn Local

The Asian longhorned beetle, along with other wood-boring insects such as the emerald ash borer and the Sirex woodwasp, live the first part of their lives as white, worm-like larvae burrowed into the branches and trunks of trees. Because these larvae typically remain hidden until adulthood, when you transport firewood or cut branches you could be unknowingly transporting these invasive species with you.

This is one of the main reasons behind the order issued by the state to regulate the movement of wood products and live plants from the Asian longhorned beetle Regulated Area (Worcester and parts of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury and West Boylston). Since the infestation was first announced, Massachusetts has been working together with local and federal agencies to keep everyone informed. This includes compliance training for any business impacted by these regulations (from tree removal services to landscapers to firewood dealers), so that they can continue to do business while the eradication program gets underway.

The public remains our biggest and best weapon in the battle against the Asian longhorned beetle. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this wood-boring invader using our fact sheet and photo gallery. And if you see something suspicious, in your firewood or elsewhere, you can use our online reporting system to describe the damage and upload photos. You can also call the Massachusetts ALB Eradication Program hotline at 1-866-702-9938.

ALB Info for Tree Care Professionals

The Massachusetts Tree Wardens & Foresters Association is holding a free Asian Longhorned Beetle Information Session for Tree Care Professionals later this month. The session, to be held in Waltham, MA on 10/22/08, from 1pm-4pm, will feature experts from the local, state, and national level of the Massachusetts ALB Eradication Program. Attendees can earn ISA, MCA, or Category 36 Pesticide CEU credits for attending. While this is a free event, space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. For more details, visit the MTWFA website.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Regulated Area - Updated

The regulated area for the Asian longhorned beetle infestation has been expanded. The updated area includes all of the city of Worcester, and parts of the towns of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury, and West Boylston. Download the latest map here, or visit the official Massachusetts ALB Eradication Program page for more information.

Ruling out the Asian Longhorned Beetle

The Asian longhorned beetle attacks several different types of trees. For those of you who are concerned about this pest and who are just starting to examine your local trees, it can be overwhelming to think that every hole, pit and pile of sawdust you find could be ALB. Here are some tips that will help you rule out ALB as the cause of tree damage:

• ALB attacks only hardwood trees (maple, birch, willow, etc.). Pines, fir, cedar, juniper and other conifers are "softwood" trees and are not susceptible to ALB. Other trees that are not susceptible to ALB: alder, dogwood, hickory, walnut.
• ALB is not considered a pest of oak trees. Records indicate an oak tree in New York was found with ALB damage, but the tree was located next to many heavily infested trees that were known hosts for ALB.
• There are many beetles and other insects that damage trees by boring holes in the wood or damaging the bark. It takes an experienced eye to detect the difference between damage caused by ALB and other insects. To learn more, view our ALB fact sheet, visit our Worcester photo gallery, or download this excellent training guide from the Canadian Forest Service.
  

Every infestation of ALB allows researchers to learn more about the preferences of this pest. The list of potential host species is regularly updated by the USDA, and the latest version can be downloaded here.

Learn to spot ALB leaf damage

While the major damage caused by the Asian Longhorned Beetle occurs when the larvae of this insect bore into the wood of tree trunks and branches, adult beetles do feed on the leaves and twigs of their host plants. Rather than cutting circular or oval holes in leaves, like many other beetles, the ALB tears away at the veins of the leaf, creating jagged holes:

Twig damage is a little trickier to spot:


Note how the beetle strips off the outer tissue of the twigs. Similar damage can also be seen on leaf stems. This type of feeding often causes early leaf drop, so look for signs of feeding damage on leaves that are on the ground below the tree.

(Photos courtesy of Michael T. Smith, USDA-ARS)

Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts

The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, "ALB"), a pest of hardwood trees including maple, birch and horse chestnut, was recently discovered in Worcester, Massachusetts. An astute resident of the Greendale section of Worcester reported the sighting, and it was confirmed by entomologists from USDA APHIS-PPQ earlier this week.

The Asian Longhorn Beetle is an invasive species native to China. It was first discovered in the U.S. in New York in 1996, and has also been found in Chicago and New Jersey. The beetles cause damage by tunneling within the trunks and branches of trees, disrupting the sap flow and weakening and eventually killing them.

This pest attacks a wide variety of hardwood trees, particularly maples, and is considered a serious threat to the nursery, lumber, wood products, maple syrup, and tourism industries in our state. If it became established over a large area, it could also significantly disrupt the forest ecosystem.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and the City of Worcester are partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and USDA APHIS-PPQ to coordinate a management plan to eradicate this species in Massachusetts. First steps include a survey of the area to determine the extent of the infestation, and regulatory management to prevent movement of host trees and wood out of the infested area. Infested trees will need to be removed and destroyed, and susceptible host trees may need treatment to prevent further infestations.

To learn more about the Asian longhorned beetle, see our fact sheet.

If you think you have seen this beetle, we encourage you to submit a report and photos, or you can call our Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779. Any specimens you capture should be placed in a container and frozen, and please do not disturb any infested trees or move any wood that you think could have been affected by this pest.

To sign up for pest alerts from the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project, visit this page.

Asian Longhorned Beetle ID

Update: The Asian longhorned beetle was found in Worcester, Massachusetts in August 2008. If you think you have seen this beetle, please report it here.

With summer almost upon us, insects are entering their active season here in New England. At this time of year, we also start getting more pest reports from concerned citizens across the state. Over the next few weeks, posts here at the MIPOP blog will focus on arming you with the tools you need to spot and identify some of the invasive insect species the state is monitoring for.

One thing that makes insect identification tricky is when there are species that look similar to each other, sometimes fooling even the trained eye. One well-known invader, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), has a native look-alike that you may encounter in Massachusetts, the whitespotted pine sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus). Upon first glance, it can be easily mistaken for the ALB. However, the whitespotted pine sawyer has a distinctive white spot at the top of where its wing covers ("elytra") meet, while the ALB has none. This comparison of both species shows the location of that white spot on both the male and female whitespotted pine sawyers (click on the image to see it in full size):

Also, note that the white markings on the wing covers and antennae are much more visible on the Asian longhorned beetle. For more information, visit this page from the University of Vermont, and also see our fact sheet.

If you think you've seen an Asian longhorned beetle, or any of the introduced pests, weeds or diseases featured on our website, you can report it and send us a photo here.

Success against the ALB

Last month, the state of Illinois and the USDA claimed a big victory in the battle against the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis or "ALB"), officially declaring it "eradicated" in Illinois. This declaration follows more than four years of active surveys during which no signs of the beetle were found.

The ALB was first discovered in Chicago, Illinois in 1998. Between then and 2006, more than 1700 maple trees (the preferred host for this species) in and around Chicago had to be removed. You can read more about the ALB success story in this USDA press release.

The Asian longhorned beetle was discovered in Worcester, Massachusetts in August 2008. If you think you have seen this beetle, please report it here. The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program, from which the MIPOP website and blog are derived, continues to actively survey nurseries to ensure that they do not become vectors for this dangerous pest.

Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts

Tuesday and Thursday of this week the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts held its annual Speaker's Program Workshop. I participated on both days and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet folks from garden clubs across the state (and to meet all the other speakers as well!), speak to them about this project, and encourage them to sign up for our Pest Alert email list.


The presentation was set up to have multiple panels that can be swapped out depending on the interests of the audience, with two pests per panel, plus the project logo and URL and two smaller panels describing the project in general. For the garden clubs, I featured:

• Asian longhorned beetle and the Emerald ash borer
  
• Viburnum leaf beetle and Daylily rust
  
• Giant hogweed and Mile-a-minute vine

It took quite a bit of work (and help from kind coworkers) to produce those posters, but they'll be getting a lot of use this year, I am sure.