Asian longhorned cousin found in West - Clippings - citrus longhorned beetle in Washington - Brief Article

American Forests, Wntr, 2002

Citizens in Washington state are asked to be on the lookout for the citrus longhorned beetle, a destructive pest that resembles its Asian counterpart currently wreaking havoc on Chicago and New York City.

A nursery owner brought the citrus beetle to the USDA's plant inspection office. The shiny beetle is 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with white patches on its back and long antennae with black and white bands. The beetles like to attack maple, poplar, and alder, boring large holes through the heartwood and gradually killing the tree.

It's the first time the beetle has been spotted in Washington state, according to the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association's newspaper B&B. Anyone finding one is asked to scoop it into a jar or other container and call 800/443-6684.