Results: 21 Of The Most Destructive Invasive Insects In America - Part 7 of 10

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luvbugnmama1

07/24/2026

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Nature
An invasive insect is a non-native species that spreads and causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. They are a problem because they often arrive without their natural predators or diseases, allowing their populations to grow rapidly and outcompete native species, which disrupts local ecosystems. Examples include the emerald ash borer, soybean aphid, and spotted lanternfly. There is only one question for this series. "Have you ever seen this invasive insect?" A-Z Animals is my source for this series. To report an invasive insect contact your local County/Parish/Borough Extension Agent, state Department of Agriculture, or Fish & Wildlife, providing location, date, species (if known), and clear photos.
1.
1.
The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB), Pyrrhalta viburni, is an invasive insect that damages Viburnum plants. Native to Europe, it was found in Canada in 1947 and reported in the US in 1996, now present in much of the northeastern US. Adults are about ¼ inch long, while larvae can reach ⅓ inch and vary in color. Have you ever seen this invasive insect?
Yes
9%
87 votes
No
57%
530 votes
Undecided
18%
165 votes
Not Applicable
17%
156 votes
2.
2.
The sirex woodwasp (SWW; Sirex noctilio), native to Eurasia and Africa, was likely introduced to North America through wood packing material. The first detection of SWW was in the state of New York close to Lake Ontario in 2004. Adults vary in length from 9 to 36 mm. It feeds on healthy pine trees and serves as a vector for a fungus that kills pine trees. Have you ever seen this invasive insect?
Yes
9%
87 votes
No
60%
559 votes
Undecided
15%
141 votes
Not Applicable
16%
151 votes

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