Invasive Insects in Arkansas

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive insect from Asia.  It has not been found in Arkansas yet; however, it could arrive at any time hidden in packing crates.  Asian longhorned beetle attacks and kills many of the hardwood trees that create Arkansas’ uniquely diverse wildlife habitat.

Image: Melody Keena, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect from Asia.  It was discovered in southwest Arkansas in 2014.  This pest kills essentially all of the ash trees it infests.  Ash, a valuable hardwood in our forests, will likely be all but eradicated from Arkansas.

Image: Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Learn more about the emerald ash borer

Gypsy Moth

Gypsy moth was introduced to the U.S. from Europe in 1868 in an effort to breed a better silk worm.  Some of the gypsy moths escaped and have been spreading toward Arkansas since then.  Arkansas has occasional confirmed reports of gypsy moth, most recently in the summer of 2012.

Image: USDA APHIS PPQ , USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Box Tree Moth in Arkansas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is looking to find all infested boxwoods and destroy them as soon as possible before these devastating moths have a chance to become established.

Image: Matteo Maspero and Andrea Tantardini, Centro MiRT ‐ Fondazione Minoprio, Italy.

Learn how to identify and report

Invasive Animals

View list of invasive vertebrate pests

Image: Clint Turnage, USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Invasive Diseases

See all invasive diseases

Image: Ned Tisserat, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Invasive Plants

See a list of invasive plants threatening Arkansas

Image: David Teem, Auburn University, Bugwood.org