Invasion dynamics and host tree preference of the Asian Longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, in Massachusetts

Background/Question/Methods

In August of 2008, Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) were discovered in residential areas of Worcester, MA.  This represented the fourth established population of ALB in the United States.  However, unlike populations in New York, New Jersey and Illinois, this was the first known population to have established in a semi-rural area.  Samples from host trees near the probable infestation site were collected and the age of the infestation was determined by examining the tree growth that occurred after beetles damage the tree. As of December 29, 2011, 22766 infested trees had been found by ground and tree climbing survey crews and 31970 infested and at-risk host trees had been removed. We present the results of an aging survey, tracking the growth of the ALB across Worcester, MA and comparison of the relative host tree preference across five populations.

Results/Conclusions

Results indicate that the infestation began in 1998/1999, most likely from adults emerging from imported solid wood packing material (crates or pallets) left outdoors at an industrial site near suitable host trees.  ALB is most likely to infest economically important maple trees, especially red maples, Acer rubrum. However, 21 other deciduous trees may provide sufficient nutrients for ALB to complete its lifecycle.  Current known range of the Worcester ALB population stretches ~20.3 km N-S and ~14.1 km E-W.  Projections of annual range expansions should provide land managers and restoration practitioners a base for proactive management plans.