New Beetle Species Discovered at Green-Wood

Through collaboration with the United States Forest Service

A new species of Agrilus, a wood-boring insect, was identified during a screening for invasive insects on our grounds, a project conducted in collaboration with the United States Forest Service. Forest Service entomologists analyzed the traits of one of the insects screened, and found it to be distinctive from any known species in its genus, in both physical appearance and genetic composition. It also exhibited a distinct behavioral difference from its closest relatives—it was found feeding on a European beech tree. This is a significant find because of the potential harm the beetle is capable of inflicting on the urban forest. The species has not yet been named.

Since 2016, Green-Wood has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the New York State Department of Environmental Protection among others on initiatives to identify and reduce the populations of invasive insects that wreak havoc on the urban forest.. Green-Wood is proud to help safeguard New York’s urban forests.