Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a wood-boring insect that feeds on a wide variety of hardwood trees, such as maple, elm, birch and willow, eventually killing them. In the larval stage, this insect feeds on the nutrient rich tissues beneath the bark of tree, disrupting the flow of nutrients to the tree’s canopy, and into the heartwood of the tree, compromising the structural integrity of the wood. Multiple seasons of attack can lead to enough internal damage to cause branch dieback and tree mortality. The first signs of ALB can be observed about three years after infestation and tree mortality usually occurs within ten years.
Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) can infest many species of hardwood trees, including birch, ash, horse chestnut, sycamore and poplar, but preferring maple, elm and willow. Unlike other pest insects, ALB attacks both healthy and stressed trees.
Adult ALB are large black beetles (1-1.5 in. long) with small white spots and long black and white banded antennae. Female ALB adults lay eggs just under the bark of their host trees. Each female can lay up to 90 eggs in her lifetime. Eggs hatch in approximately two weeks and the small white larvae bore into the tree and feed on the living tissues that transport nutrients throughout the tree. Once the larvae have grown for several weeks, they begin to bore through the heartwood of the trees where they continue to feed and develop over the winter. Pupation lasts for up to 24 days then the adult beetles chew their way out of the tree, leaving a round exit hole approximately three-eighths of an in in diameter. Emerged adults feed on the bark and leaves of their host tree for 10 to 14 days before mating and laying eggs. Emergence occurs throughout the summer and fall because ALB can overwinter in multiple life stages. For more information about ALB visit the USDA APHIS ALB webpage.
ALB is native to China and the Korean peninsula. It was first detected in the U.S. in Brooklyn, New York in 1996 and likely arrived in wood packing material from Asia.
Although adult ALB can fly for 400 yards in search of host trees, they usually remain on or near the tree they emerged from and are slow to spread at the beginning of an infestation. This makes early detection of new infestations critical in managing this pest. Since this is a wood boring insect, the larger threat of spread is the larval stage when the insects are contained within wood materials and are not visible. Larvae can infest a variety of items, including firewood, solid wood packing material, wood debris and trimmings, branches, logs, stumps and lumber. Infested items can be transported over long distances and begin new infestations.
Since its initial detection in New York, ALB infestations have been discovered in Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio and South Carolina. Fortunately, the populations in both Illinois and New Jersey have been fully eradicated. Infestations currently remain in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio and South Carolina, where regulations are in place and eradication efforts are underway.
Due to the extreme threat of ALB, strict regulations have been established at both the state and federal level. To prevent new ALB infestations from entering the U.S., all imported wood packing material is required to be heat treated or fumigated before being imported.
To stop the spread of current infestations, quarantines are established up to a 1.5-mile radius from infested trees that restrict the movement of regulated materials. Regulated materials include firewood, green lumber, nursery stock, logs, stumps, roots, branches and debris of half an inch in diameter or larger of any hardwood species known to be a viable ALB host. Areas within and near ALB infestations are surveyed regularly for signs of ALB and quarantine boundaries are updated if needed.
The USDA Forest Service and APHIS, and some state universities are conducting research focused on regulatory treatments for wood and nursery stock, traps and lures for adult ALB, using dogs to detect ALB presence, insecticide treatments for controlling ALB and various behavioral experiments.
Black and white beetles encompass a wide variety of insect species that feature bold color patterns of black and white markings on their bodies. These beetles inhabit diverse environments across North America and beyond, from forests to grasslands to beaches. While the black and white coloration serves various purposes like camouflage, warning coloration, and mimicry, it consistently produces visually striking beetles that capture our attention.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable black and white beetles found in North America. We’ll explore their key identifying features, habitats behaviors and ecological roles. Let’s delve into the diverse world of these two-toned beetles!
Key Facts and Statistics
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There are over 400,000 known species of beetles globally, making them the largest insect order. About 25,000 reside in North America.
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Black and white beetles come from multiple different families, including longhorn beetles, ladybugs, click beetles, weevils, and tiger beetles.
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Many black and white beetles utilize their color patterns for defensive purposes like mimicking eyespots, warning coloration, disruptive camouflage, and mimicry.
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Most feed on plant matter, though some are predators of other insects, scavengers of decaying organic material, or pollen-feeders.
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They inhabit diverse environments like forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, beaches, deserts, and wetlands across North America.
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A few species are considered agricultural or forestry pests, while many others provide ecological benefits like pest control.
Notable Examples
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle
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Features white body with large black “eyespots” on thorax. Mimics eyespots to startle predators.
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Makes an audible clicking sound and can flip itself into the air to escape threats.
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Found in forests across eastern North America. Feeds on tree sap.
Spotted Cucumber Beetle
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Small black beetle with 12 yellowish spots on wing covers. Disruptive camouflage pattern.
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Major agricultural pest of cucumbers, melons, squashes, and other cucurbits. Feeds on leaves and fruits.
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Found throughout North America in crop fields. Multiple generations per year.
Banded Alder Borer
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Longhorn beetle with alternating black and white bands on antennae and wing covers. Visually striking.
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Larvae bore into dead wood of hardwood trees like alder, maple and oak. Adults feed on tree sap.
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Mainly found in western North America in wooded habitats. Does not harm live trees.
Pink-Spotted Ladybird Beetle
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Hemispherical ladybug with black wing covers and pink spots. Example of aposematic warning coloration.
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Both larvae and adults are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects and other crop pests. Helpful in agriculture.
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Originally from Asia, now established across North America in farms, orchards, and gardens.
Ocellated Tiger Beetle
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Metallic dark green body with variable white markings. Camouflages on vegetation.
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Hunts small insects on the ground. Fast runner able to pursue prey. Sharp mandibles for capturing prey.
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Found along sandy beaches in eastern North America. Requires moist sandy habitat.
Behaviors and Ecology
Black and white beetles exhibit diverse behaviors and fill varied ecological roles:
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Plant Feeders – Many serve as herbivores, like the spotted cucumber beetle. Others feed on wood, tree sap, fungi, or decaying matter.
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Predators – Some tiger beetles and ladybugs hunt other insects. Fast moving; often camouflaged.
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Scavengers – Feed on decaying organic material like carrion. Help recycle nutrients back into soil.
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Pollinators – Some frequent flowers for nectar and pollen, inadvertently pollinating plants.
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Habitat Indicators – Require specific habitat conditions like sandy beaches or wooded areas. Presence indicates habitat quality.
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Agricultural Pests – A minority cause damage to crops like cucurbits and asparagus. Controlled through pesticides.
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Beneficial Insects – Many ladybugs and other species help control pest insects in gardens and agricultural fields.
The black and white beetles found across North America display incredible diversity in their forms, habitats, and ecological roles. From tiny pollen-feeding ladybugs to large longhorn wood-borers, they utilize their high-contrast coloration for survival functions like warning coloration, camouflage, and mimicking eyespots. While a small number act as agricultural pests, many provide benefits like pest insect control. Yet with around 25,000 beetle species in North America, we’ve likely only scratched the surface for discovering black and white beetles. Each new species presents an opportunity to unlock fascinating natural history details and appreciate the beauty of these two-toned insects.
Images of Asian Longhorned Beetle and its damage
Early/young ALB: ALB 2 – Various stages of ALB larvae removed from the host tree (photo credit: Steven Katovich; Bugwood.org) ALB 3 – An ALB pupa developing within the host tree (photo credit: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry; Bugwood.org)
Damage: ALB 4 – An emerging adult ALB exposed by stripping the bark from the host tree (photo credit: Michael Bohne, USDA Forest Service) ALB 5 – An adult ALB (photo credit: Gillian Allard, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations)
Early damage: ALB 6 – Multiple female ALB oviposition sites and exit holes (photo credit: Dennis Haugen; USDA Forest Service) ALB 7 – Adult ALB feeding damage (photo credit: Dean Morewood; Health Canada)
Later damage: ALB 8 – Heavy ALB infestation with multiple exit holes and signs of tree girdling (photo credit: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry; Bugwood.org) ALB 9 – Tree dieback caused by heavy ALB infestation (photo credit: Dennis Haugen; USDA Forest Service)
Look alikes: ALB 10 – Whitespotted sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus) is a black cerambycid with white spots that is commonly mistaken for ALB. Note the distinct white spot at the top of the wing covers. (photo credit: Natasha Wright, Braman Termite & Pest Elimination) ALB 11 – Cottonwood borer (Plectrodera scalator) is a large black and white cerambycid that is commonly mistaken for ALB. This beetle has significantly more white on its body and lacks the white banded antennae. (photo credit: Donald Duerr, USDA Forest Service) ALB 12 – Eyed click beetle (Alaus oculatus) is a large black beetle with white spots that is sometimes mistaken for ALB. Note the large black eyespots outlined in white and the antennae which are shorter than its body. (photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University) ALB 13 – Northeastern pine sawyer (Monochamus notatus) is a large speckled dark grey to brown cerambycid that is sometimes mistaken for ALB. (photo credit: Frank Guarnieri; bugguide.net) ALB 14 – Southern pine sawyer (Monochamus titillator) is a speckled dark grey to brown cerambycid similar to the northeastern pine sawyer that is sometimes mistaken for ALB. (photo credit: Natasha Wright, Braman Termite & Pest Elimination) ALB 15 – Broadnecked root borer (Prionus laticollis) is a large brown to black cerambycid that is sometimes mistaken for ALB. Note its antennae are shorter than its body. (photo credit: Jon Yuschock, Bugwood.org)
Is ALB near me?
Maps or links to maps noting areas of infestations:
The current distribution of ALB with latest detection dates and eradication information (map credit: USDA APHIS)
Black and White Beetles
FAQ
What is the name of the black and white beetle?
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is large, ranging from 0.75-1.25 inches long, with very long black and white antennae. The body is glossy black with irregular white spots. These beetles feed on many species of hardwood trees. Adults can be seen from late spring to fall depending on the climate.
Are 10 lined June beetles harmful?
The tenlined June beetle is widely found in sandy soils west of the Rocky Mountains. Larvae feed on plant roots and can weaken or kill the plant. Adults feed on foliage but do not cause economic damage to fruit trees.
What are the little black and white beetles in my house?
Adult carpet beetles grow up to 4mm long and have oval-shaped bodies with a striped shell of black, white, and yellow or orange. Their eggs are a white or cream color and an adult can lay more than 100 eggs at a time which can hatch anywhere between 10 days and a month.
Are black carpet beetles harmful to humans?
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Not Poisonous or Disease Carriers:Black carpet beetles are not poisonous and don’t carry diseases.
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Larvae Cause Irritation:The larvae, which are covered in hairs, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
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Symptoms:These reactions can manifest as itchy welts or rashes, and in some cases, respiratory issues or eye irritation.
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Damage to Property:Carpet beetle larvae primarily feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and fur, causing damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstery.
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Control Measures:To control carpet beetles, you can wash clothes in hot water, use high heat in a dryer, steam clean carpets and furniture, and vacuum regularly.
What are black and white Bugs?
From the common hairy rove beetle, banded alder borer to the invasive spotted lanternfly and destructive carpet beetle, it seems black and white bugs are everywhere. Black and white insects, beetles, and ladybugs can be fascinating. Many of these bugs are beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
Do black beetles have white spots?
There are many different types of black beetles with white spots that can be found in North America. These insects can bite or not. Certain pests, such as those that infest ornamental plants, cucumbers, and watermelons, are well-known and are typically managed with the use of pesticides or the introduction of natural predators.
Are there black and white beetles in North America?
North America is home to many types of black and white beetles. Various species of biting and non-biting beetles are native to the US. Some black and white beetles in the US have known pests of watermelons, cucumbers, or ornamental trees or flowers. Most species are found in Southwestern US and Southeastern US.
What are black beetles?
Black beetles, also known as wood-boring beetles or house borers, are dark-brown or black in color. They are responsible for woodworm in wooden items and have a round black head, elongated body, and two antennae at the front of their heads.
Are black beetles harmful?
Black beetles are a common type of insect found in our homes and backyards. Some species are harmless and can help keep bugs out of your home, while others can be destructive due to their larvae.
Are these black & white click beetles real eyes?
However, these spots are false eyes, not real eyes. This species is a black-and-white beetle that is found in several areas of the United States, except for the South. Like other click beetles, the eastern eyed species has a unique ability to get away from predators.