Institute for the Study of Invasive SpeciesAlerts
Emerald Ash Borer
Photographer: David Cappaert
Source: Michigan State University
Ecological Threat: Larvae feed in the phloem and outer sapwood of Ash trees producing galleries that eventually girdle and kill the tree. This invasive pest has had a devastating impact on communities that now face significant tree removal costs associated with dead or dying ash trees that pose a threat to public safety. Other repercussions include decreased property value, losses in the long-term supply of ash wood, decreased air quality, increased electricity use during hot weather, and negative impacts on Native American cultures that use ash wood for traditional crafts and ceremonies. In addition, there are other detrimental impacts on wildlife and natural ecosystems. States which become infested could lose billions of dollars in forest products and quarantines imposed by state and federal agencies and may have serious consequences for plant and wood products industries. Severe damage may also occur within the tourist industry with the loss of tree cover in campgrounds.
Vampire Bats
Photographer: Arnulfo Moreno-Valdez
Source: http://www.statesman.com/
Read Article from statesmen.com
Ecological Threat: Vampire bats are native to South American, Central America, and Mexico with northern migration limited by temperatures below 50 degrees for prolonged periods of time. However, the vampire bat is able to fly for hundreds of miles allowing for a potential northern migration to Texas coupled with increasing seasonal temperatures. The vampire bat is a nocturnal blood feeder specific to mammalian hosts such as cattle. With repeated feedings the host animal can suffer severe health impacts and even death. There are no current reports of Vampire bats in Texas, but local authorities are working to prevent invasion by monitoring areas to provide a rapid response.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Photographer: Susan Ellis
Source: Bugwood.org
Ecological Threat: Similar to other stink bugs, these nymphs and adults have piercing-sucking mouth parts. Stink bugs use these mouth parts in a straw-like fashion by piercing fruit. Small necrotic spots on fruit and leaf surfaces often result from feeding damage, and it may be compounded by secondary infections and scarring as the fruit matures. In particular, affected apples often exhibit pitting and discoloration and peaches frequently display a characteristic distortion referred to as "catfacing". Even if the fruit is still edible, it may not be suitable for market. Similar damage to other crops, such as soybeans, is more likely to occur in the southern U.S. Because the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is polyphagous (feeds on a wide range of host plants) and almost any fruit crop may be at risk.