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Asian Long-horned Beetle
Anoplophora glabripennis
Emerald Ash Borer
Argrilus planipennis
Gypsy Moth
Lymantria dispar
Invasive Earthworms
Mountain Pine Beetle
Dendroctonus ponderosae
Asian Long-horned Beetle
Anoplophora glabripennis
Range
Asian long-horned beetle is native to China and Korea where it is considered a major pest causing mortality of Elm, Maple, Poplar and Willow trees. Since arriving in the US, populations have been confirmed in New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio. In Canada, ALHB was confirmed in an industrial park in the Toronto area in September 2003. By November 2003 susceptible host trees were being removed from the area to eliminate possible ALHB habitat. ALHB was not found anywhere in Ontario between 2007 and 2012, indicating that early detection and rapid response was effective. In December 2013, ALHB was detected again near Pearson International Airport.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has established a regulated area in Mississauga and Toronto as part of its plans to eliminate the pest.
The Agency is cooperating with other authorities including the City of Mississauga, the City of Toronto, and the City of Brampton, as well as, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Canada to determine next steps.
The regulated area includes the region bordered in the north by Finch, in the east by Martin Grove: in the south by Highway 401 and in the west Dixie; an area of approximately 20 square kilometres.
With the regulation of this area, there are now restrictions on the movement of nursery stock, trees, logs, lumber, wood, wood chips and bark chips from certain deciduous trees identified as hosts of the ALHB and firewood of all species. Unless authorized by a Movement Certificate issued by the CFIA, the movement of these items out of the regulated area is prohibited. These restrictions are necessary to prevent the spread of the ALHB. Moving firewood or other restricted wood products, even just a few kilometres, is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread.
Impacts of Asian Long-horned Beetle
- Insecticides do not protect trees; trees must be cut down and burnt or chipped.
- Easily transported in firewood, live trees or untreated lumber.
- Potential decline in hardwood (broadleaf) trees could have major consequences for Ontario's wildlife and biodiversity, negatively affecting future generations.
How to Identify Asian Long-horned Beetle
- Adults are 2 – 4cm (¾ – 1½ inches) in length.
- Shiny black with prominent, irregular white spots.
- Distinct bluish-white legs
- Long, black and white banded antennae, one to two times its body length.
- Adults leave a round exit hole, approximately 1 cm across (slightly smaller than a dime) in trees.
What You Can Do
- Learn how to identify adult Asian long-horned beetle and what infested trees look like, as well as which host trees they target.
- Don't move firewood or other potentially infested wood material over long distances. With firewood, remember: burn it where you buy it!
- If you see ALHB or signs of infestation, call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940 or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342.
- Report sightings to the toll-free Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or online.
Other Resources
- Invasive Species: A Threat to Ontario's Biodiversity
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Invasive Species Centre
OFAH/OMNR Invading Species Awareness Program. (2012). Asian Long-horned Beetle. Retrieved from: www.invadingspecies.com. This factsheet may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes.
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Downloads
CFIA regulated area for Asian Long-horned Beetles (1.4 MiB)