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The Amazing Journey of the Long-Horned Beetle: How Did This Insect Accidentally Enter the United States?
The long-horned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), also known as the star beetle, is an insect native to East Asia. The unexpected invasion of this species poses a major challenge to U.S. ecosystems. Since first being discovered in the United States in 1996, the beetle has spread to many areas, including Canada and several countries in Europe.
Species characteristics and classification
The long-horned beetle is a large insect. The adult body length can reach 3.9 centimeters. The distinctive striped antennae can be up to 4 centimeters long. It is glossy black in color and has about 20 white spots on its wings. The insect's lifestyle is primarily dependent on host trees, especially maples, willows and elms.
In its place of origin, the long-horned beetle mainly prefers plants such as maple trees as its host, but in the United States it can cause damage to many types of trees.
Growth range and host
The significant spread of the long-horned beetle began in 1996, when it was first identified in Brooklyn, New York. The insects have since been found infesting many U.S. states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Life cycle
Adult females can lay 45 to 62 eggs each time. The egg hatching time varies with temperature, usually 13 to 54 days. The larvae burrow in trees and may consume up to 1,000 cubic centimeters of wood in their lifetime. Their lifespan is generally between 1 and 2 years.
Impacts as an invasive species
The invasion of long-horned beetles has caused serious ecological damage, resulting in the death of many trees, causing potential damage to 30.3% of urban trees, and economic losses estimated at US$669 billion. Due to its huge impact, early detection and management are key to controlling its spread.
Early detection is used to manage infestations to prevent them from spreading further.
Monitoring and preventive measures
To detect infection in trees, experts look for exit holes between 1 and 2 centimeters in diameter and observe the tree for resin seepage or particulate matter on the ground and low. Relevant departments also have strict inspection measures on imported wood packaging materials.
Management and Prevention
All infected trees need to be removed by professional tree caretakers and should be crushed on site to prevent reinfection. The use of certain insecticides is also effective in controlling adults and larvae, but may have side effects.
Extermination efforts
The long-horned beetle has the potential to be eradicated from some small infested areas in North America. In these areas, all host trees on public and private property are required to be thoroughly tested and re-inspected annually after infected trees are found.
Many areas have successfully declared long-horned beetle eradication, such as New York City in the United States, which finally succeeded after 23 years of efforts.
As ecosystems and human activities continue to change, can we effectively control the spread of this insect and protect our trees and the entire environment from its impact?
