Causal Agent

Anoplophora glabripennis

 

Habitat

This beetle is native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Isle of Hainan and an accidental immigrant in North America. Adults are drawn to recently felled, stressed, or apparently healthy hardwood trees. Hosts include healthy maple, horse chestnut, birch, Rose of Sharon, poplar, willow, elm, locust, mulberry, chinaberry, apple, cherry, pear, and citrus trees. It may also attack other species of hardwood trees. In addition, nursery stock, logs, green lumber, firewood, stumps, roots, branches, and debris of a half an inch or more in diameter are subject to infestation. This beetle is only established in areas surrounding New York City and Chicago but has been intercepted in wooden crates and packing material originating from China at numerous sites around the country.

 

Appearance

Adults are glossy black, 20-35 mm long. Both sexes have up to 20 irregularly distinct white spots on the otherwise black elytra. Antennal segments 3-11 distinctly banded white and black in both sexes. Legs bluish-white on dorsal surfaces. In Oklahoma, this beetle is most often confused with cottonwood borer.

 

Life Cycle

Probably one generation per year. Adults usually present from May to October depending on temperatures. Adults usually stay on the host tree from which they emerged or may disperse short distances to a new host. Females chew out oval egg-laying sites (niches) in the bark and lay 30-70 eggs which hatch in 10-15 days. Larvae tunnel under bark and into the tree - warning signs include oozing sap around niches and sawdust accumulation around the base of the tree and where branches meet other branches. Look for large round exit holes (1/2 inch) on the branches, trunk, or roots.

 

Control

Contact OSU Entomology and Plant Pathology at (405) 744-5527 immediately if you suspect you have an infestation. Infested trees should be removed and destroyed by chipping or burning. Please contact your local county extension office for current information. Additional information may be found on the USDA ALB website.