Asian Longhorn Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis
This beetle native origin is found in parts of Asia. It has caused extensive damage to trees in North America, through accidental introduction in 1990. Since 2000 parts of mainland Europe have been effected, Italy is still subject to an eradication program. It was discovered in Paddock Wood, Kent, England in 2012, but was quickly eradicated. It is believed the UK currently does not have any Asian Longhorn Beetles. There have though been the odd interception of the beetle at the boarder.
Consequences Of Infection
The beetles larvae feed on live trees boring through significant cells, creating tunnels throughout the bark. A severe infestation can kill a tree. The destructive nature of the beetles larvae means that it can cause significant problems to commercial timber production, and forest/woodland ecosystems.
The larvae do not live in dead wood therefore there is no danger to things constructed out of timber. The larvae can live in freshly felled timber for a period of time.
Tree species which Asian Longhorn Beetle can infest include:
- Alder (Alnus species)
- American pin oak (Quercus palustris)
- Apple (Malus spp.)
- Ash (Fraxinus spp.)
- Beech (Fagus spp.)
- Birch (Betula spp.)
- Cherry and plum (Prunus spp.)
- Elm (Ulmus spp.)
- False acacia/black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
- Hazel (Corylus spp.)
- Hornbeam (Carpinus spp.)
- Horse chestnut (Aesculus spp.)
- Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum Schott)
- Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
- Maples and sycamores (Acer species)
- Mimosa silk tree (Albizia julibrissin)
- North American red oak (Quercus rubra)
- Pear (Pyrus spp.)
- Plane (Platanus spp.)
- Poplar (Populus spp.)
- Rowan/mountain ash, whitebeam (Sorbus spp.)
- Willow and sallow (Salix spp.)
Identification
Adult Asian longhorn beetles are about 20 to 40 mm (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long, and shiny black with variable white markings. They have distinctive antennae, or ‘horns’, which are up to twice the body length and coloured black with white or light blue bands.
Signs Of Infestation –
- 10 mm holes on the trunk and branches
- Small piles of sawdust at the base of trees
- Sap bleeding
- Broken or dead branches
- Grub holes (flattened or Oval)
REPORT A SIGHTING:-
https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/tree-alert/