The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), commonly known as ALB, poses a significant threat to Long Island's trees and forests. This invasive wood-boring insect targets a variety of hardwoods, including maple, birch, elm, ash, poplar, horse chestnut, and willow, leading to devastating consequences for New York's hardwood forests, agriculture, and tourism industries.
Description of the Asian Longhorned Beetle
The ALB is approximately 1.5 inches long, with a shiny black body adorned with white spots on its wing cases. Its black and white antennae can be up to twice as long as its body, making it quite distinctive. Despite its striking appearance, the ALB is a destructive force against the trees it infests.
Signs of an Infestation
Identifying an ALB infestation early is crucial to preventing widespread damage. Here are the primary signs to look for:
Exit Holes: Look for round exit holes measuring ⅜ to ½ inch in diameter. These holes, created by adults emerging from trees, typically appear in late July.
Egg-Laying Sites: Females chew round, ½ inch depressions in the bark to deposit eggs. Sap may ooze from these sites.
Sap Oozing: Sap can be seen oozing from egg-laying sites and exit holes.
Deep Exit Holes: Insert a pencil into the exit holes to see if they are at least an inch deep.
Sawdust or Frass: Look for sawdust collecting at the base of the tree or on branches.
While wilted foliage and canopy dieback are common symptoms, they can result from various factors and should not be used alone to diagnose an ALB infestation.
The Lifecycle of ALB
Female ALB beetles lay up to 60 eggs, typically one to two at a time, in depressions they chew into the bark. After hatching, larvae bore into the tree and feed on the living tissue beneath the bark, disrupting the tree's nutrient and water flow. The larvae then penetrate deeper into the heartwood, continuing to feed until they pupate. Repeated attacks from multiple generations eventually girdle and kill the tree, usually within 7-9 years of the initial infestation.
Distinguishing ALB from the Native Whitespotted Pine Sawyer
In New York State, the ALB has a native look-alike, the whitespotted pine sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus). While they can be easily mistaken for one another, the whitespotted pine sawyer has a distinctive white spot where its wing covers meet, which the ALB lacks. Additionally, the white markings on the wing covers and antennae of the ALB are more pronounced than those on the whitespotted pine sawyer.
How TLC Tree & Lawn Care Can Help
Given the severe threat posed by the ALB, it's essential to act quickly if you suspect an infestation. At TLC Tree & Lawn Care, we specialize in identifying and managing ALB infestations to protect the health of Long Island's trees. Our experienced team will:
Conduct a thorough inspection to confirm the presence of ALB.
Implement a targeted treatment plan to eliminate the beetles and prevent further damage.
Provide ongoing monitoring to ensure your trees remain healthy and ALB-free.
Don't let the Asian longhorned beetle devastate your beautiful Long Island landscape. Contact TLC Tree & Lawn Care today for a free estimate and let our experts safeguard your trees from this invasive pest.
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