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 confirmed in the United States in Pennsylvania and has been confirmed in several Mid-Atlantic states. It has not been found in Iowa to date. Please check out our spotted lanternfly page to learn how this insect could seriously impact grape, tree fruit, tree nursery and logging industries in the United States.

(Anoplophora glabripennis)

Asian Longhorned beetle

Asian longhorned beetle is a foreign wood borer that is originally from China and Korea. It is not known to occur in Iowa; however, this pest is one that would deserve our utmost attention if it were accidentally introduced through firewood, logs, or other unprocessed wood products being moved from quarantined areas in the United States. Please take a look at our Asian longhorned beetle pages 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 Federal and State quarantined leaf-eating insect that is a serious threat to many forest trees and ornamental plants. It is easily moved into new areas by unsuspecting people, because it will hitch a ride on vehicles and other outdoor articles. Please visit our Spongy Moth site to see what Iowa has been doing to prevent this pest.

(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.