Asian Longhorn Beetle

Question 1

What trees does it affect?

Answer 1

A wide variety of broadleaf species

Question 2

How far can it fly?

Answer 2

2km away from tree which they emerge.

Question 3

Identifying characteristics

Answer 3

Large shiny black beetle with white spots. Long antennae with white stripes.

Question 4

How they affect tree?

Answer 4

Bore into the wood creating tunnels and lay eggs (larvae) in pits that are chewed out.
Disrupts nutrient flow and weakens tree structure. Leads to dieback in a few years.

Question 5

Management?

Answer 5

Surveillance of high risk areas.
Quarantine measures of infested areas.
Control and eradication methods - tree removal and destruction of materials, use of pesticides.
Public awareness and reporting.

Question 6

Actions taken in discovery of infestation?

Answer 6

Create buffer zone.
Ban on felling and tree work while survey is taken out.
Ban on movements of host wood out of zone.
Survey done on all possible host trees.
Felling an chipping of host trees and shrubs, and nearby trees as a precaution.
Annual re-surveys.