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.

Winter Moth Damage Predicted to be Up in 2010

UMass Extension is predicting an increase in damage caused by winter moth caterpillars this spring. As reported in this article in the Brockton Enterprise, Deborah Swanson, Extension educator for Plymouth County, is expecting defoliation of trees by winter moth caterpillars to be significant in southeastern Massachusetts. This is based on data from UMass indicating that adult moth populations were greater in 2009 than in previous years, meaning more eggs were laid and more caterpillars will hatch this spring. For information about winter moth, including tips on how to protect your trees, check out UMass Amherst's 2010 winter moth preview.

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.

Learn About Invasive Forest Pests at "Emerald Ash Borer University"

Those seeking to learn more about the emerald ash borer now have a great new resource available. "Emerald Ash Borer University" is a collaborative effort by the U.S. Forest Service, Michigan State University, Ohio State University and Purdue University. The website offers free webinars with topics from the latest research on EAB to the most effective ways to get the word out about this pest. Past webinars are archived so you can always go back and view any information you might have missed

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, “EAB”), native to Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has been found in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and was most recently discovered this past June in New York. EAB causes damage to ash trees by disrupting water and nutrient transport as the larvae feed on the inner bark; eventually, this damage kills the tree. The pest attacks all species of ash, including green, white, black and blue ash, and is considered a serious threat to nursery operators, forest products industries, and parklands.

Help protect Massachusetts ash trees: If you think you have seen EAB, submit a report and photos, or call our Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779. Any specimens you capture should be placed in a jar and kept in the freezer.

It's that time of year again: Winter Moths are here

Male winter moth	Female winter moth

Throughout Eastern Massachusetts, residents are reporting seeing small brown moths flying around at night, flocking to porch lights and other light sources. There are a few different species that are in this fall/winter burst of activity, with the most numerous appropriately named "winter moth." Winter moths (Operophtera brumata) are a European species thought to have been introduced to the USA around the year 2000. Since then, they have become quite common in Cape Cod, the rest of Southeastern Massachusetts and have continued to spread westward.

Expect to continue to see these insects through December, particularly when nighttime temperatures remain above freezing. Moths you see in flight are always males; female winter moths are practically wingless and spend their days on tree trunks, house foundations, or other surfaces, waiting for a mate. While winter moths can be a nuisance when they cluster around homes in large numbers, they do their real damage as small green caterpillars, attacking cherry, crabapple and other trees in early spring and often completely defoliating them.

As with most invasive species, the winter moth invasion is not a simple one. Some of the moths active right now are actually fall cankerworm moths (Alsophila pometaria), a native species that also defoliates trees, and whose populations occasionally grow large enough to become a nuisance. There is also a native relative of the winter moth, the Bruce spanworm moth (Operophtera bruceata), which looks so similar to winter moth that scientists need a microscope to tell them apart. The Elkinton Lab at UMass Amherst has found evidence that the introduced winter moths have been hybridizing with Bruce spanworm moths, and is now studying the impact this could have on the native species as well as on efforts to establish a biological control for winter moths in our state.

To learn more about winter moths, including how to prevent tree damage, check out these web pages:

• Our winter moth fact sheet
  
• Recommended treatments from UMass Extension
  

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.

Input Sought on Wood Packaging/Firewood Regs

APHIS is seeking input on the issue of whether the federal government should regulate crates, pallets, cable drums and spools, and other forms of wood packaging that moves in the interstate and domestic market, as well as firewood that moves across state lines. The purpose of this regulation would be to prevent spread of introduced insects and other pests from areas where they have become established to other vulnerable areas.

To read the full documentation and submit comments, visit the Federal Register. The "Submit Comments" button is on the top right side of the page. Comments are due by October 26, 2009.

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)

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.

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.

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.

2009 CAPS Pest List

The Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project is part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), a partnership between all 50 states and the USDA to detect and monitor exotic pests, pathogens and weeds. Each fall, the Massachusetts CAPS Committee, with members from the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources, USDA APHIS-PPQ, UMass Extension, and non-governmental organizations with a stake in the state's agricultural resources, meets in order to decide which pests will be the focus of the next year's survey and outreach efforts. The 2009 CAPS pest list for Massachusetts is below, with species ranked in order of importance. Over the next couple of months we will add fact sheets for any species that does not already have one.

Rank	Scientific Name	Common Name	Organism Type
1	Phytophthora ramorum	Sudden oak death, Ramorum blight	pathogen
2	Anoplophora glabripennis	Asian longhorned beetle	insect
3	Agrilus planipennis	Emerald ash borer	insect
4	Epiphyas postvittana	Light brown apple moth	insect
5	Potyvirus	Plum Pox Virus, PPV	pathogen
6	Puccinia horiana	Chrysanthemum white rust	pathogen
7	Adoxophyes orana	Summer fruit tortrix moth	insect
8	Anoplophora chinensis	Rough shouldered longhorned beetle, Citrus longhorned beetle	insect
9	Monochamus alternatus	Japanese pine sawyer	insect
10	Lobesia botrana	European grape vine moth	insect
11	Lymantria dispar (Asian strain)	Asian gypsy moth	insect
12	Lymantria mathura	Pink gypsy moth	insect
13	Spodoptera litura	Cotton cutworm	insect
14	Spodoptera littoralis	Egyptian cottonworm	insect
15	Puccinia hemerocallidis	Daylily rust	pathogen
16	Globodera rostochiensis	Golden nematode	nematode
17	Globodera pallida	Potato cyst nematode	nematode
18	Polygonum perfoliatum	Mile-a-minute vine	plant
19	Heracleum mantegazzianum	Giant hogweed	plant
20	Orobanche cernua, other non-native Orobanche spp.	Nodding broomrape	plant
21	Lepidium latifolium	Perennial pepperweed	plant

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.

Wood boring bark beetles ID Guide

A new key to the Wood Boring Beetles of the World is now available online. The key includes identification characters for ten different beetle families as well as fact sheets and many excellent photos. It was developed by the USDA/APHIS/PPQ Center for Plant Health Science and Technology (CPHST) using LUCID software, and required Java to run, so be patient and give it a chance to load the first time you use it.

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.

Winter moth mix

Male winter moth	Female winter moth

With nighttime temperatures about to rise above freezing again over the next few days, expect to see even more winter moths hovering around your porch lights. Entomologists are saying that winter moth populations are on the rebound this year, with populations larger than we've seen for a while. The insects you'll see fluttering about are all males. The females are practically wingless and spend their days on tree trunks or other surfaces, waiting for a male to mate with. Adult moths are mainly a nuisance right now - they do all of their damage in the caterpillar stage, as tiny green larvae that can be found munching on the leaf buds of cherry, crabapple and other trees in early spring.

True winter moths (Operophtera brumata) are thought to have been introduced to the USA from Europe around 2000. As with most invasive species, the winter moth situation is not a simple one. The Elkinton Lab at UMass Amherst has found evidence that the introduced moths have been hybridizing with a similar-looking but less common native species, the Bruce spanworm moth (Operophtera bruceata). The lab continues to study this phenomenon and the impact it could have on the native species as well as on efforts to establish a biological control for winter moths in our state.

Winter moth resources:

• Our winter moth fact sheet
  
• Recommended treatments from UMass Extension
  

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.

Home Invaders

It's that time of year again: the growing season is almost over, temperatures are cooling off, and your home becomes a warm and inviting place...for insects.

One of these "home invaders" is the Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). This is a fairly large bug (about 3/4 inch long), with back legs that have a distinct flattened leaf-like shape, and alternating white and brown marks on its lower body, surrounding the wings (see photo). At this time of year, you may find one lurking around the foundation of your house, or buzzing around a window screen, looking at your home as a perfect shelter for the winter. If you have encountered this insect pest before, you probably remember it best by 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. While they are only considered a minor pest of the coniferous trees they attack (pines, Douglas fir and hemlock), they can be a major inconvenience if they find a way to enter your home. Small infestations can be handled by sealing up any parts of your home that the bugs could be using to sneak in (holes in screens, chimneys, loose window fittings) 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.

Biocontrol released in Michigan for emerald ash borer

Researchers from the USDA have added another tool to the arsenal against the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB"). As reported in this article from E: The Environmental Magazine, three different wasp predators, all natural enemies of the EAB, are currently being reared and released into the wild to fight the tiny green invasive beetle. The release sites are all in Michigan, where ash trees have been under attack since the late 1990s.

The emerald ash borer has never been found in New England, but state agencies in Massachusetts remain on the lookout for this pest. To learn more about it, check out our EAB pest fact sheet. You can learn more about this and other pests of the Great Lakes region by visiting the Illinois CAPS blog.

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)