You are here

Harvard Forest >

Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2010

  • Title: Asian Longhorned Beetle Behavior in Forests of Worcester, Massachusetts
  • Primary Author: David Orwig (Harvard Forest)
  • Additional Authors: Kevin Dodds (USDA Forest Service)
  • Abstract:

    Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis, was detected in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts in 2008 and has subsequently been located in several city forests. Two forest stands were surveyed to estimate the vegetation present in each stand and assess ALB activity. Results suggest ALB attempted to colonize all size classes of available host trees present in these stands. In one stand, red maple was the most abundant tree species and was also attacked more frequently than Norway or sugar maple. Eradication efforts in a nearby natural area have shifted forest composition from a red maple dominated stand to an oak-hickory forest. Longhorned beetle did not attack black birch, American elm, or white ash. Additional studies including dendroecological analyses are underway to determine other ALB impacts in these natural forests.

  • Research Category: Invasive Plants, Pests & Pathogens