The Trees
The ALB grows and reproduces within many hardwoods,such as elm, horse chestnut, maple (all species), willow, ash, mountain ash, London Plane, hackberry, birch, mimosa, and poplar. It comes from China and has no natural predators here.  ALB poses a grave threat to Northeast hardwoods and, where identified, will generate a robust state and federal response.

The Lifecycle
The ALB begins life as an egg, hatches into a larva that tunnels into a tree, transforms into a pupa, and then drills its way out of the tree as a mature beetle. The ALB is visible from late spring through fall.

The Evidence
ALB's are very black with sharp white spots, bands on antennae are sharply black & white and the ends of their legs are bluish (The common White Spotted Sawyer is often confused with ALB until you compare these features.)

ALBs leave characteristic signs that are easy to identify on trees. Look for pencil shaving-like material on limbs and around tree bases, flowing sap, and/or other signs of infestation which include round or oval scars on bark where beetles laid eggs; dime-sized exit holes where beetles emerged from trees; yellowing or drooping leaves or dead branches.

You can find ALBs on trees or on objects near trees - check park benches, lampposts, car hoods, patio furniture, walls and other outdoor locations.  Transporting firewood or unprocessed lumber is one important way they can spread.  Think and inspect before choosing to move firewood any distance!  You must not move raw wood products from an ALB quarantine area!

For additional information, more images (And to make sure it is not a white-spotted sawyer.)  go to www.aphis.usda.gov/ALB or http://beetlebusters.aphis.usda.gov 

If you can, freeze an insect sample.  In any event report your findings to:
New England: 1-866-702-9938
New York: 1-877-STOP-ALB or 1-866-265-0301
New Jersey: 1-866-233-8531
Illinois: 847-699-2424

In other States, contact the State Dept. of Agriculture or the USDA State Plant Health Director.