Asian Ambrosia Beetle

Cliff Sadof, Extension Ornamental Entomology Specialist, Purdue University

The brown toothpick-like spines coming from the edge of this water soaked redbud trunk is caused by a relatively recent newcomer into the state of Indiana, The Asian Ambrosia Beetle Xylosandrus crassiuculus (Motchulsky). In Indiana it has been reported on honeylocust and redbud, but it is also known to feed on peach, plum, cherry, and persimmon. Currently it is believed to move around on rootstock. The adult females are known to fly in the spring (late April through early June) to lay eggs in the trunks of trees. Females bring a fungus with them that grows in the tree and clogs its circulation. Larvae hatch, boring deep into the tree. Once a tree becomes heavily infested with the fungus there is no way to save it. Currently Ken Cote of the Indiana DNR is studying the biology of this insect to find out better ways to control this pest.