The citrus long-horned beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) is a wood-boring insect that is native to Asia. The larvae of this beetle can kill trees directly, by damaging the tree, or indirectly, by enabling other pests and diseases to affect the tree. It feeds on and damages a wide variety of hardwood trees, including many important species found in Canada.
This beetle has never established in Canada, but could be introduced via infested nursery plants, bonsai trees, wood packaging material, firewood, logs and any other wood products made from infested trees.
What you can do
- Don't move firewood
- Inspect wood packaging material for signs of infestation
- If you see the citrus long-horned beetle or signs of infestation on your trees (including bonsai trees), report it to the CFIA immediately
Report a citrus long-horned beetle sighting
How to spot it
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Adult beetle -
Hatched larvae -
Beetle damage -
Exit holes -
Exit holes -
Exit holes
Signs of this pest on nursery plants could also include:
- sawdust-like excrement on the surface of the soil
- T-shaped slits on the bark of the lower part of the bole/trunk and on exposed roots
- chewed leaves and scraped bark
The citrus long-horned beetle is very similar in appearance to the Asian long-horned beetle (A. glabripennis). It is large (about 25 to 35 millimetres long) with a shiny black back that is dotted with 10 to 12 white spots.
The hatched young larvae begin feeding on the plant tissue just under the bark. As the larvae mature they bore deeper into the wood, creating tunnels while feeding. Exit holes (10 to 20 millimetres in diameter) are typically near the root collar and on exposed roots. Larvae mature in the tunnels and then exit the tree as adults through large round holes.
Depending on the climate, the beetle may take approximately 3 years to complete its cycle from egg to adult beetle. Because of this, the beetle can remain hidden inside a plant for several years before it emerges.
What we are doing
The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal acts and regulations, including the Plant Protection Act. We work with our partners on surveying, enforcement, and communications to the public about invasive insects