Species Profiles

Species Profiles Introduction: Zebra Mussel • Sirex Wood Wasp • Rusty Crayfish • Sudden Oak Death • Emerald Ash Borer • Chinese Mitten Crab • Northern Snakehead Fish • Rapa Whelk • Tree-of-heaven • Japanese Stilt Grass • Imported Fire Ant • Phragmites

Twelve invasive species

Emerald Ash Borer

Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

• What is it? A small wood-boring beetle
• Where’s it from? Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan
• How did it get here? Accidentally, inside wooden crates, pallets, or other forms of wood packaging material
• Where is it now? It is widespread in the Midwest and also has been discovered in the eastern US, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.
• What’s the harm? This insect has already killed over 40 million ash trees, posing serious threats to the forest industry, natural areas, and neighborhoods.
• What’s being done? Quarantines prohibiting the transport of firewood, nursery stock, ash logs, and other articles capable of transporting EAB are in place to prevent the spread of this pest. Monitoring for emerald ash borer in Virginia continues.
• How can you learn more? VDACS issues quarantine: www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/071210eab.shtml. An EAB information clearinghouse:
  www.emeraldashborer.info/