Asian Longhorn Beetle

Scientific name: Anoplophora glabripennis

Common name: Asian Longhorn beetle

Status: Notifiable species

Description

Asian Longhorn beetle is not thought to be present in the UK currently. There was a breeding population discovered in Kent in 2012 but after quick action to eradicate them there have been no further reports. It is classed as a notifiable species meaning that any sightings of the beetle by law have to be reported.

The climate of the UK in many areas is thought to be the ideal breeding conditions for the beetle making the dangers of an infestation a real concern should the beetle ever take hold in the UK. The beetle is now present in many European countries and is causing widespread damage.

There are a large number of broadleaved trees in the UK that are thought to be possible host species for the beetle and its larvae including may trees produced for forestry harvest. The impact of an infestation of the Asian Longhorn Beetle could have a devastating impact on the ecosystem and also the economy. The larvae of the beetle feed on the live wood of trees, burrowing under the bark from the outer cambium layer straight through into the heartwood. A large infestation can rapidly kill the host tree.