An invasive species has now been confirmed to be found in the state of Minnesota. The species is so new that the Minnesota Department Of Agriculture doesn't fully know the impact it will have on our ecosystem.
The invasive zigzag sawfly found in Minnesota
The zigzag sawfly was first found in the United States in 2021, and now three years later it has been confirmed to be in Minnesota. The sawflys eat Elm Trees, and they leave a unique zigzag pattern on the leaf. The good news is that most elm trees will recover, but they can be defoliated.
The zigzag sawfly was reported at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus.
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Where do the zigzag sawflies come from?
The insects are originally from East Asia, but they were detected in Canada in 2020. Since then it's been confirmed in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Massachusetts, and now Minnesota.
How do I report a suspected zigzag sawfly?
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture would like you to report suspected sightings. The zigzag sawfly larvae are green with a black band on their head. They also have t-shaped brown/black markings on their second and third pair of legs, according to WDIO News.
You can submit the suspected case online using the Report A Pest from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The first step is to take clear photos, followed by notes on the location of the insects. If you can, capture the insect carefully and then use the online reporting tool for the MDA.
Quiz: Do you know your state insect?
Gallery Credit: Andrew Vale