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Invading Beetles in Illinois & Wisconsin

Because of importation of goods from other countries, invasive species have become a problem for agriculture and natural resources departments in every state. Illinois and Wisconsin have seen increased populations of beetles that can cause damage, and control plans put in place each year to curb the damage they cause.

  1. Asian Longhorned Beetles

    • The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) was discovered in New York in 1996 and in Illinois in 1998. Department of Natural Resource officials in Wisconsin note that it is believed to have been introduced several times through wood packing material from China and Korea before regulations to treat packing material to prevent transport of species. The longhorned beetle can cause serious environmental and economic damage to maple forests and industries that rely on maple, which is the beetles preferred wood. It also attacks other species. The larvae of this beetle damage the tree by tunneling. The beetle can infest and destroy healthy trees.

    Emerald Ash Borer Beetles

    • Though found in several Midwest states, the emerald ash borer beetle was first seen in Kane County, Illinois in 2006. More recently, the Illinois Department of Agriculture documented the state's first infestation in Barrington Hills, which had banned the ash tree in 2004 to avoid the beetle. It has also been seen in Algonquin and Palatine. The ash borer is native to Asia. It burrows into the bark of ash trees and cause the tree to starve and die. Illinois Department of Agriculture officials said it was only a matter of time before the beetle would be in Illinois since it had been seen in states all around.

    Common Pine Shoot Beetle

    • The common pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda) has been discovered in several states including Illinois. These bark beetles are up to 1/4 inch in length and are cylindrical. A native of Europe and Asia, the adult beetles colonize recently cut pine stumps, they may also infest the trunks of weak trees. The pine shoot beetle can fly one-half mile away in search of host trees. They may choose to breed in spruce, fir and larch if these trees occur in a stand of pine. The adult beetles feed on the inside lateral shoots at the tops of pine trees from May to October. During their season of feeding, each adult can destroy one to six shoots.

    Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

    • Although the multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) has been released all over the United States for beneficial attributes, it was first imported from China through nursery products. It is a pest primarily to homeowners. The lady beetle eats harmful pests and reduces the need for pesticides; it is valuable in pecan orchards and for other ornamental trees. According to the USDA, natural controls may someday catch up the lady beetle and impede its booming population. For now it is one of the least damaging invasive species in Illinois and Wisconsin.

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