Pests of the home & landscape

June 29, 2000
Asian Longhorned Beetle

A number of articles have appeared in newspapers and the asian longhorned beetle has been mentioned in some local television news stories in the recent past. These stories may generate questions from your clientele base. The following information will help you respond to questions should they arise:

  • First Identified: 26 August 1996 from samples collected in from the Brooklyn section of New York City.
  • Native Range: Native to China, Korea, and Japan. In China it is a pest throughout the latitudinal range of 21º N to 43º N latitude. This range covers the area between Cancun, Mexico in the south to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the north.
  • Major Host Plants in Asia: The major host plants in Asia are maple (Acer), poplar (Populus), and willow (Salix). It has also been found in chinaberry (Melia), mulberry (Morus), plum (Prunus), pear (Pyrus), black locust (Robinia), and elm (Ulmus). 
  • U. S. Host Species: Species which have been attacked in New York are maple, poplar, willow, and horsechestnut. The maples most commonly attacked have been Norway maple, sugarmaple, silver maple, and sycamore maple.
  • Current Distribution: The central park area of New York City, Amityville, N.Y. and an area within Chicago, Ill.
  • Identification: The enclosed picture (Dr. Evan Nebeker had enough pictures to supply to the counties) will help in identifying the insect.
  • Cottonwood Borer: Do not confuse the Asian Longhorned Borer with the Cottonwood Borer.

Dr. James Jarratt
Extension Entomologist

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