Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) in Georgia
In March 2022, the Entomological Society of America adopted the common name “spongy moth” as the common name for the invasive moth Lymantria dispar (formerly known as “gypsy moth”). We will be working toward changing this name in our publications and on our website. Find more information about this name change. Spongy moth (formerly gypsy … Continue Reading →
Southern Pine Beetles
The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis, is not much bigger than an eye gnat (Figure 1). It attacks and kills all species of southern yellow pines in Georgia, including white pines. Trees are killed when beetles construct winding S-shaped egg galleries underneath the bark (Figure 2). These galleries effectively girdle the tree and destroy … Continue Reading →
Pine Bark Beetles
For more specific information on SPB, click here. Pine bark beetles are native to Georgia and can have devastating effects on pine trees. Pine bark beetles found throughout Georgia include the southern pine beetle (SPB), the black turpentine beetle (BTB), and three species of Ips engraver beetles, with a fourth found just in northern Georgia. … Continue Reading →
Asian Longhorned Beetle
In early June 2020, a homeowner near the town of Hollywood, SC, close to the coast, found an odd-looking beetle, which was sent to Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) for identification. Agents from the DPI identified the beetle as the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). A preliminary survey of the area found … Continue Reading →
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Updated September 8, 2022 The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic insect that belongs to a group of metallic wood-boring beetles. Unlike our native beetles that kill weakened trees as part of the natural nutrient recycling process, emerald ash borers kill vigorously growing and weakened ash trees. It is not native to the United … Continue Reading →
Sirex Woodwasp in Georgia
A non-native woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, was detected in New York (NY) in 2005 and likely entered a port via solid wood packing material in cargo. This insect is native to Europe and Asia, but has now been introduced into every continent, and has the potential to kill many species of pines including several of our … Continue Reading →
Pine Bark Beetles in Georgia
Pine bark beetles are insects that normally attack stressed and dying pine trees, and usually do not infest trees that are otherwise healthy and vigorous. They are attracted to the odor produced by wind-thrown trees and trees damaged or killed by nature or man. Living pine trees are infested when stressed by: drought, age, tree … Continue Reading →
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in Georgia
Updated January 2020 Background Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect native to Japan. This aphid-like insect threatens hemlock trees in the eastern U.S. and has the ability to alter landscapes that include hemlock trees. Fourteen counties in the northern part of Georgia are included in the range of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and … Continue Reading →
