Invasive Insects

The News and Notes roundup for this issue: Asks, "Should you squish a spotted lanternfly?"; notes that grants for forestry projects and protection are open in Anne Arundel County; describes how researchers are using drones and AI to map forests; reports on a new story map that documents saltwater intrusion in the Delmarva; and shares one way to stay warm this winter... with just one log. 

Euonymus leaf notcher is an invasive insect and pest of ornamental euonymus plants.

Be on the lookout for a new pest of boxwoods. Box tree moth caterpillars chew the leaves of boxwood plants and can cause complete defoliation. Boxwoods are their only host plant. This pest has been found in several US states, but it is not in Maryland yet (as of August 2024). If you find it, please report it to us.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic invasive insect that is a serious threat to Maryland ash trees. It has killed many millions of ash trees across the Mid-West and Eastern U.S.

Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) is an introduced pest of viburnum in North America.

The Sirex woodwasp (SWW) is an exotic, invasive pest considered to be one of the top 10 most serious forest insect pests worldwide.

Kudzu bug is an invasive insect that has also been found in Maryland on the Eastern shore, in southern and central Maryland.

Japanese cedar longhorned beetle is an invasive insect that was first detected in Maryland in 2011.

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive insect that has become a fairly common pest in North America. It is a nuisance pest in homes and gardens.