Asian Longhorned Beetle
Anoplophora glabripennis
This record describes Anoplophora glabripennis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
black, irregulary marked with white splotches; long black and white striped antennae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Monochamini
- Genus
- Anoplophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to China , introduced to ne NA, apparently not established (used to be a problem at some point locally)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on many hardwood trees, primarily on maple and poplar (also birch, horsechestnut, willow, elm, and ash); unlike other borers, may attack healthy trees, causing severe dieback and structural weakening
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky 1853)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anoplophora glabripennis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Asian Longhorned Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by jvandyk , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Longhorned Beetle
What is Asian Longhorned Beetle?
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Asian Longhorned Beetle?
25-40 mm
How do you identify Asian Longhorned Beetle?
black, irregulary marked with white splotches; long black and white striped antennae
Where is Asian Longhorned Beetle found?
Range: native to China , introduced to ne NA, apparently not established (used to be a problem at some point locally)
What does Asian Longhorned Beetle eat?
The diet of the Asian Longhorned Beetle includes Larvae feed on many hardwood trees, primarily on maple and poplar (also birch, horsechestnut, willow, elm, and ash); unlike other borers, may attack healthy trees, causing severe dieback and structural weakening.