22 July 2014
Invasive Species (EC)
Invasive Species In the United States, there are numerous animals that are attacking the forests. Some of these species are classified as “invasive species,” this means the animal is not natural to the habitat, while some invasive species are not a problem, most are. A few species that are attacking the forests are the, Asian Long-Haired Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Mountain Pine Beetle. The Asian Long-Haired Beetle (ALB) is currently found in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, and Ohio. ALB is native to eastern China, Japan and Korea. The species was accidentally introduced into the United States, being first discovered in New York in 1996. Adult ALB can be seen from late spring to fall depending on the climate. The predominant reproductive cycle is one year, with winter most commonly in the larval state. Females chew “oviposition sites” in the bark of trees to lay eggs in. One beetle can lie anywhere from 35 to 90 eggs. Larvae hatch within 10-15 days and tunnel under tree bark and bore into healthy trees, they feed on living tree tissue during spring. After emerging, adult beetles feed on the exterior of trees for 2-3 days and then mate. Adult beetle are active only during summer and early fall, then they perish, living a one-year life cycle. ALB spread by natural means, such as flying.
Since adult beetles, and larvae both feed on trees, they cause them to become hollow, and the tree eventually dies. The beetle also has the potential to damage industries such as, lumber, maple syrup, nursery, commercial fruit, and tourism, which accumulates to over $41 billion in losses. At this time, the only way tress infected with ALB are being dealt with is that they are being cut down in all infested trees, chipped and burned, and then the stump is then grinded away. Although other treatments exist to control ALB-infested cargo, they are not easily controlled once introduced to the environment. Since the majority of the beetle’s life is spent deep inside the tree, it is difficult to control using insecticides.
The only assured method of dealing with the beetles it to cut the trees down. If these beetles become more common, then they could eventually destroy all of our forests, and therefore cause the loss of billions of dollars. Throughout the summer, ALB can be seen on tree trunks and branches, walls, outdoor furniture, cars, and sidewalks. According to Farm Progress, some signs of the beetle are “Dime-sized (1/4" or larger), perfectly round exit holes, shallow scars in bark where the eggs are laid, sawdust-like materials, called frass, on the ground and the branches or even dead branches.”
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a beetle species native to eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea. In 2002 the EAB was discovered in Michigan, since then it has been found in many more states such as, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, new york, north Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, west Virginia, and Wisconsin. In North America, the only tree in which EAB has been found is the ash tree. Trees in woodlots and landscaped areas are at risk. According to a website dedicated to information about EAB, all species of North American ash are at risk. The life cycle of the EAB only spans one- or two-years. Adults begin to emerge mid to late May, but peak in late June. Two weeks after emergence, females begin to lay eggs, which hatch in one or two weeks. Tiny Larvae bore through the bark and into cambium, which is the area between the bark and wood where nutrient levels are high. The larvae generally stay in this area from late July to early August through October, feeding under the bark. Larvae typically pass through four growing stages and range from 1 to 1.25 inches long. During the winter months, most larvae stay in a small spot of outer bark or the outer inch of wood. Pupation occurs in spring, and a new generation of adults emerge in May or early June to repeat the cycle again. EAB kill trees usually starting at the top of trees. Due to the larvae eating the nutrients, one-third to one-half of the branches may die in one year. Sometimes ash trees push out sprouts from the trunk after the upper portions of the tree dies. The beetle will also leave a D-shaped exit hole in the bark when they emerge in June.
Many agencies and universities are working together to educate citizens about identification of ash trees. State and federal agencies have programs to help restore the urban forest in cities that sustained heavy EAB damage. Research is underway to learn more about EAB and how insecticides can be used to protect trees. EAB is now considered the most destructive forest pest ever seen in North America. If this problem is not dealt with, the problem will reach billions of dollars in damage. Homeowners can help by monitoring their trees and watch for signs of EAB throughout a year. People can also contact the USDA Emerald Ash Borer Hotline toll-free at 1-866-322-4512.
Mountain pine beetle (MPB) is native to western North America. It is the most important insect pest of Colorado’s pine forest. MPB often kill large numbers of trees during outbreaks. MPB develop in pines like the lodgepole, ponderosa, Scotch, and limber pines, it less commonly affects bristlecone and pinon pines.
MPB has a one-year life cycle in Coloroda. During late summer, adults leave dead trees. Females seek out living trees with a large diameter that are green. They attack these trees by tunneling under the bark. During outbreak conditions, small diameter trees may also be infested. If successful, each beetle pair mates, forms a vertical tunnel, also called an egg gallery, under the bark and produce around 75 eggs. When the eggs hatch, the larvae leave the egg gallery and produce their own feeding pattern. Larvae spend the winter under the bark. Larvae survive the winter by metabolizing glycerol, which acts as an antifreeze. MPB continue to feed through the spring then transform in pupae in June and July. Emergence of new adults begins in mid-June and goes through September. Most beetles exit trees during late July and mid-August.
Once MPB infests a tree, there is nothing practical that can save the tree. Trees that MPB have already emerged form do not need to be treated. In order to help with MPB infestations, people can contact their local forester for more information on forest management practices.

Works Cited
"Asian Long-horned Beetle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 July 2014. Web. 23
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"Colorado State Forest Service." Mountain Pine Beetle. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2014.
"Mountain Pine Beetle." Mountain Pine Beetle. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 July 2014.
Muruetagoiena, Tamara. "Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora Glabripennis."
Columbia University. N.p., 24 Nov. 2004. Web. 22 July 2014
"Prevent Asian Longhorn Beetle Spread." - Farm Progress. N.p., 1 July 2013. Web. 22
July 2014.
"Where Is EAB? | Emerald Ash Borer Information Network." Where Is EAB? | Emerald
Ash Borer Information Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 July 2014.