White spotted pine sawyers out in Massachusetts

They are early this year, but the closest look-alike to Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has begun emerging for the season.  The white spotted pine sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus) is a native longhorned beetle that attacks weakened conifers, but can easily be mistaken for Asian longhorned beetle. 

A key difference is that the whitespotted pine sawyer has a white "dot" where the wing covers meet just below the head. 

For more information: http://massnrc.org/pests/blog/2008/06/asian-longhorned-beetle-id.html

The Massachusetts Deparment of Agricultural Resources has some excellent resources on ALB and look-alikes: http://massnrc.org/pests/alb/albmedia.htm#flyers

Researchers are predicting the emergence of ALB in the Worcester area for mid-June, however that can change depending on growing degree days.

If you believe you have seen the Asian longhorned beetle, capture and preserve the insect if possible (place in freezer or in a jar with rubbing alcohol), or provide a photo of the insect or damaged wood and report it here