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Other Forest Pests

New invasive insects often arrive in the US through cargo from other countries.  The US Government currently estimates that a new potentially destructive forest pest is introduced every 2-2.5 years. There are many more pests in the United States that have not been found in Virginia yet, so we have to be on the lookout.  Check out the pests below to learn more about these potential problems.

Watch Out...

Spotted Lanternfly

​Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is native to China, and is present in several countries in Asia.  In 2014 it was found in Pennsylvania, and then in 2018 was discovered in Frederick County, VA.  SLF is a Planthopper.  Adults are 1” long and have very distinct colors and patterns on their wings.  Young instars (nymphs) start off black and turn red right before maturity.  Eggs when new are gray and shiny, and are around 1” long.  When they are old they become darker and individual egg cells can be visible. Read more...

 
Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB)
​The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a large black beetle native to China, with unique white spots on its abdomen and antennae.  Sometimes its legs have a bluish color.  It seems to prefer maple trees, but has been found to damage many more tree species.  Read More...
 
Thousand Cankers Disease
​Thousand Cankers disease (TCD) was originally found in New Mexico and Colorado, where the native walnut trees are naturally resistant.  Black walnut is native to the eastern US, but settlers moving out west sometimes took black walnut trees with them, to plant at their new homes.  TCD was first found to be killing black walnut trees in Colorado in 2003.  Read More...
 
Sudden Oak Death
​Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.  Despite its name, this pathogen attacks over 100 species of vines, shrubs, herbaceous plants, trees, and even ferns.  Read More...