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The secret of the Asian long-horned beetle: Why is it attracting so much attention around the world?
The Asian long-horned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), also known as the star beetle, is originally native to the Korean peninsula, northern and southern China, and arguably northern Japan. Since first being accidentally introduced in the eastern United States in 1996, the beetle has been found in Canada and several European countries, such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Taxonomy and description
In Asia, Anoplophora glabripennis is commonly known as the star beetle, the flat-shouldered white-spotted long-horned beetle, or the glabripennis, and in North America it is known as the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB). This adult is a very large insect, with body length ranging from 1.7 to 3.9 cm, and the length of its antennae can reach 4 cm, which is significantly longer than its body by 1.5 to 2 times. Adults are glossy black, with about 20 white spots on each wing cover, and long antennae that are strikingly distinguished in black and white. Although these beetles are capable of flight, it is generally limited to short distances, a common limitation for dayworms due to their size and weight. The upper parts of the adult legs are white-blue.
The Asian long-horned beetle can be distinguished from other related species by markings on its wings and patterning of its antennae.
Distribution, habitat and host
The Asian long-horned beetle is mainly distributed in East Asia, especially in East China and South Korea. This species was discovered in Japan in the mid-19th century, but whether it is native is still debated. The beetle is an invasive species outside its native range. In its native range, Anoplophora glabripennis primarily infests maples, aspens, willows and elms. In the United States, A. glabripennis has developed on these species, and also includes horse chestnut, acacia, birch, osmanthus, ash, flat needle, and aspen. In Canada, full development is confirmed only on maples, birches, aspens, and willows.
Life cycle
The adult female lays 45 to 62 eggs during her life, which are usually laid under the bark of the host tree. The eggs will hatch in 13 to 54 days, depending on the temperature. The larvae are cylindrical in shape and can be up to 50 mm long when grown. The larvae initially feed in the phloem of the tree, and as they age, they feed deeper into the heart of the wood. The larvae go through at least five molts over 1 to 2 years, excavating tunnels within the tree and feeding as they do so. Over time, the adults will continue to develop within the tree and eventually emerge.
Impacts as an invasive species
A. glabripennis can alter forest and urban ecosystems by causing high tree mortality outside its native range. According to predictions, this beetle can destroy 30.3% of urban trees and cause economic losses of $669 billion. Early detection is an important means of managing intrusions.
Monitoring and Management
Tree damage can be determined by observing the exit holes on the trunk. These holes can be 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and are commonly found on the main crown branches of the affected tree. Death and wilting of trees and yellowing of leaves are also indicators of A. glabripennis invasion. Various measures, such as the use of pheromones and plant attractants to capture the beetles, or sound sensors to detect their feeding, are also being used to enhance monitoring. In many cases, workers have found and reported material affected by the infestation, and the United States and Canada have established quarantine regimes for this type of beetle.
In response to the invasion of the Asian long-horned beetle, quarantine bans have been established in various places to restrict the transportation of trees that may be affected by it.
In small-scale invasions in North America, A. glabripennis has the potential to be eradicated. All host trees located near invaded areas need to be resurveyed as trees are removed or treated. Eradication plans for the beetle are progressing well as efforts to combat the invasion continue. This series of measures and related research demonstrates the importance of continued monitoring and response to any new invasive species. In the face of this biological threat, how can we strengthen the protection and monitoring of ecosystems and increase our vigilance against new invasive species?
