WY CAPS Program
University of Wyoming
Dept. Ecosystem Science & Management: 3354
1000 East University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307)766-5278
Email: caps@uwyo.edu
Photo by Jijing Song and Juan Shi, Bejing Forestry University, Bugwood.org
The Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus) is primarily a pest of pine trees, but can also feed on other conifers. It is a major vector of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which transmits the bacterium causing pine wilt disease. It is native to Asia and is presently not known to occur in the United States. Surveys are conducted because of the presence of potential host material in Wyoming and this pest is attracted to the same lure as other targeted bark beetles. To date, it has not been found in Wyoming. Three hundred twelve traps have been placed throughout twenty-one counties in Wyoming since 2010.
The Japanese pine sawyer bark beetle survey is conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine. A Lindgren funnel trap with host attractant is placed on or near the host plant from May until September. If suspects are found they are sent to a regional entomologist for further identification.
WY CAPS Program
University of Wyoming
Dept. Ecosystem Science & Management: 3354
1000 East University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307)766-5278
Email: caps@uwyo.edu