Abstract
Abstract The elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi (Hymenoptera: Argidae), was reported for the first time in North America during the summer of 2020. Characteristic zigzag defoliation was reported in the province of Québec, Canada, on the community science website, iNaturalist. Field trips conducted to the site resulted in the collection of live specimens (a few larvae and a cocoon from which an adult emerged) and onsite observation of diagnostic defoliation and empty cocoons, confirming the presence of this exotic species in Canada. Subsequent inspection of elm trees by naturalists and scientists in the south of the province led to the conclusion that the species is more widely distributed than first expected and that the invasion is not localised to a small area. Preliminary genetic data pointed to a possible European origin of the Canadian population, but conclusive assignment to source will require examination of more specimens and the collection of reference sequences from different European and Asian populations. This is a good example of the importance of community science in the detection of new invasive species.
Highlights
Invasive alien species have been a major ecological concern for the last few decades, and most introductions of such species are anthropogenic (Lowry et al 2013)
In North America, elm trees are threatened by Dutch elm disease, which was accidentally introduced to Canada in 1945
Some municipalities, including Québec City, Québec, Canada (which has American elm (U. americana) – called white elm – as its emblem tree), have management programmes to rapidly eradicate new infestations, allowing elm to remain prominent in the urban landscape
Summary
Invasive alien species have been a major ecological concern for the last few decades, and most introductions of such species are anthropogenic (Lowry et al 2013). In North America, elm trees are threatened by Dutch elm disease, which was accidentally introduced to Canada in 1945 (reviewed by Hubbes 1999). This disease, caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannfeldt (Ophiostomataceae) and carried by two bark beetles, Hylurgopinus rufipes (Eichhoff) and Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), affects all three indigenous elm species in Canada – Ulmus americana Linnaeus, U. rubra Muhlenberg, and U. thomasii Sargent (Ulmaceae) – as well as exotic elm species. Some municipalities, including Québec City, Québec, Canada (which has American elm (U. americana) – called white elm – as its emblem tree), have management programmes to rapidly eradicate new infestations, allowing elm to remain prominent in the urban landscape
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
