Northestern Sawyer Beetle – 9/10/19

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/10/19

Observation Time: 6:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Northeastern Sawyer Beetle

Scientific Name: Monochamus notatus

Comments:  The Northeastern Pine Sawyer Beetle is one of several harmless native species that look like the exotic and destructive Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB).

The Northeastern Sawyer is our largest native longhorn beetle, about as large as ALB, but different in color and pattern: it can be distinguished from ALB by its dull grey color and lack of pattern on its wing covers (the antennae may appear banded, but they won’t be as vivid as they are on ALB). Additionally, while adult ALB will be found on living hardwood trees, the Northeastern Sawyer targets dead or dying conifers. Both adult and larval Northeastern Sawyers prefer to eat the rotting wood of conifers such as pine, spruce, and fir, versus the live, fresh hardwood required by ALB.

Adult Northeastern Sawyer Beetles are active from May through September, while Asian Longhorned Beetles are still active through the first hard frost.

Any sightings of suspicious beetle or tree damage can be reported here. Be sure to get a picture or collect the specimen.

More Information: Massachusetts Introduced Pests