Asian long-horned beetles are a threat to maple trees everywhere in the northeastern United States. The mature beetles emerge from maple trees starting in May into late October. When they drill out of the trees, they leave holes that are about 2 centimeters thick. This causes the tree's structure to weaken and results in the demise of the tree. This has become a problem in this part of the United States because the Asian long-horned beetles do not have any natural enemies here.
These beetles originate from Asia, specifically from China, Korea, and Japan. The beetles may have come into the U.S. in a shipment of plumbing supplies from China. These supplies were shipped to a warehouse in new York City. From there, the beetle spread across New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
The first time the beetle came to New Jersey was in 2002. The beetle was sighted in Jersey City. Maple trees make up over 30% of all trees in New Jersey. If the Asian long-horned beetle continues to repopulate, it can have catastrophic affect on the tree population.
These beetles only make up only a small portion of invasive species in the U.S. Invasive species are a threat because they can wipe out native species. Unfortunately, in is almost impossible for invasive species to be wiped out once it is an ecosystem. The only thing that can be done is to prevent a growth in population. Over time, the Asian long-horned beetle population will decrease and things will return back to normal.
Dear Joseph,
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't know that the Asian long-horned beetle is in New Jersey! To tell you the truth I didn't know they existed but, thanks to you I know they do exist. Thanks! Do you think that since they came to the U.s. by a shipment of plumbing supplies from China that they will be all over the world? Also how far are they in the U.S.? Great post!
From,
Yesenia