Mountain Oak Longhorned Beetle
**This organism is not known to be present in the United States but poses a threat. The mountain oak longhorned beetle is in the same family as the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). It is native to China and far eastern Russia. It is not known to be in the US, but poses a serious threat should it be introduced, especially in the southeastern US. The mountain oak longhorned beetle feeds primarily in the xylem of its host trees, causing damage to the tree and its timber value. It attacks mainly oak species, but has also been known to feed on citrus, chestnut and other species.
Larvae and pupae of mountain oak longhorned beetle are easily transported in wood products, especially those with the bark still attached. Pathways include wooden shipping materials (pallets, dunnage, etc.) and imported wooden products. If the insect were to be introduced in the US, they could disperse through adult flight as well as through inadvertent transport in firewood and wooden materials.
Think you've spotted this pest?
If you think you've found this pest in your landscape contact your local extension office to see about sending in a sample.
Find your local extension office here.