The latest info on plant pests, pathogens, and weeds.

Posts Tagged ‘elm zigzag sawfly’

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 23 to February 27) is a great time to check out the latest information about invasive species of concern in Massachusetts and what to do if you see one. Here’s what to keep an eye out for in the coming months so that you can help: What you might […]

ID Blitz: Help us identify plants, bugs, fungi, and more!

To follow up our fall MEGa BioBlitz, we’re holding an Identification Blitz during National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 23-27). Help us identify as many of the species from this fall’s BioBlitz as possible! Between this year’s project and last year’s, we still have 448 out of 817 observations that need an ID. To participate, […]

MDAR Pest Alert Newsletter: December 2025

This is the December 2025 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month:

Join the 2025 MEGa Bioblitz!

This year’s BioBlitz should be MEGa fun! It will take place September 1-14, 2025 and will focus on Maple, Elm, and Grapevine (MEGa). Each of these plants is a favorite of one of three invasive insects that’s a threat to Massachusetts’ environment and economy: Asian longhorned beetle, elm zigzag sawfly, and spotted lanternfly. How to […]

Pest Alert Newsletter: June 2025

This is the June 2025 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month: Subscribe to receive the newsletter by email. Photo credits: Chris Evans, University of Illinois; Elizabeth Barnes, MDAR; Whitney Cranshaw, […]

MDAR Pest Alert Newsletter: March 2024

This is the March 2024 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month:

MDAR Pest Alert Newsletter: January 2024

This is the January 2024 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month: Subscribe | Unsubscribe |

Invasive Pest Year in Review: 2023

Here’s a look back at the biggest invasive species news in Massachusetts from 2023: If you spot these or any other invasive insects, take a picture and report them on our website.

Invasive elm zigzag sawfly found in Massachusetts

Elm zigzag sawfly (EZS) is an invasive leaf-eating insect that has recently been found in Massachusetts. It eats both native and non-native elm trees and can cause extensive leaf damage. Read more about this new pest below, and if you see an elm zigzag sawfly or their damage, please take a photo and send a […]