Hard copies of this CFIA product available from CFIA

The red-necked longhorn beetle (Aromia bungii) (RLB) is not known to be in North America. However, it has been intercepted in the Port of Seattle, and there is a risk of it being introduced here in Canada as well. The beetle is native to parts of Southeast Asia including China, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and Vietnam. In its native range, it can be a serious pest when populations are high, causing reduced yield in fruit trees as well as stressing and sometimes killing its host tree.

Biology
There is limited information documented about the beetle's biology. They emerge in the spring, adults being active for about two weeks. The adult female lays eggs on the host tree; young larvae feed, creating galleries, between the bark and the sapwood of the tree. Older larvae feed and develop in the heartwood.

Trees at risk
The beetle has a number of host trees in its native range some of which are related to species found in North America. Potential host trees in Canada include Prunus spp. (e.g. plum, cherry, peach, and apricot). It can impact yield of fruit trees, and can weaken or kill host trees.

Current range
Currently this insect not known to be in North America.

Detection
The adult beetle is very distinctive. It is large, between 22-38 mm long, and a shiny blue-black colour except for its pronotum (the area behind the head). The pronotum is a bright red (hence the common name, red-necked) and has a pair of spike like projections, one on each side of the "neck". Exit holes, about 12 mm across, can be seen where adult beetles have left the tree.

What you can do
If you think you have found red-necked longhorn beetle, contact the CFIA Plant Health Surveillance Unit.