Iowa's Invasive Insect and Disease Watchlist

Please visit our main menu and click through our pest pages to learn more about each of these pests.

(Lycorma delicatula)

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania. Today, infestations can be found in 19 States. This insect could impact our country's fruit, ornamental, and forest industries. Check out the spotted lanternfly page to learn more about this pest and to view a map of the infestation status.

(Anoplophora glabripennis)

Asian Longhorned beetle

Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive wood-boring insect native to Asia. It feeds on a variety of hardwood trees, including maples. It can be quite destructive and can even kill trees in its larval stage. Being a poor flyer, the likely scenario of its spread into Iowa would be by means of wood products, including firewood. Check out the Asian longhorned beetle page to learn more about this destructive pest.

(Geosmithia morbida)

Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut

Thousand cankers disease threatens the entire United States walnut industry, and is caused by a recently described fungus, Geosmithia morbida, that is vectored by the walnut twig beetle. This disease has not been found in Iowa to date. Please go to our thousand cankers disease page for information on what to look for in walnut trees.

(Lymantria dispar)

Spongy Moth

Spongy moth is a leaf-eating insect with an extensive list of host trees and ornamentals. During outbreaks it can become quite a serious pest. Trapping surveys are carried out on an annual basis in Iowa to monitor for this invasive insect and help in making management decisions. Check out the spongy moth page to learn more.

(Agrilus planipennis)

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is perhaps one of the most destructive tree pests we have seen in decades. Larvae of this insect feed under the bark of ash trees. They damage the ability of the tree to transport water and nutrients, and may kill the tree in as little as two to four years. Please visit out emerald ash borer pages to see where EAB has been officially confirmed in Iowa and the United States.