What are the invasive species threatening NY ecosystems?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) defines invasive species as non-native plants, animals, and pathogens that can negatively impact the local environment. These species can be spread through various means, including human transportation, trade, and accidental transfer on luggage, firewood, and clothing. Once introduced to a new location, invasive species can reproduce rapidly, disrupting ecosystems, harming native species, and reducing the overall quality of the environment.

Invasive Species in NY

New York has its share of invasive species, both on land and in water. Here are some examples:

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF)

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect from Asia that primarily feeds on trees of heaven but can also feed on grapevines, hops, maple, walnut, and fruit trees. The DEC reports that SLF was first found in New York in 2020, and its impacts are still being assessed. SLF can cause significant damage to the agricultural and tourism industries, as well as impact the state’s forests.

Some signs that a tree has been infested with SLF include:

• Sap oozing from tiny open wounds on tree trunks, appearing wet and may give off a fermented odor
• One-inch-long egg masses that are brownish-gray, wavy, and mud-like when new; old egg masses are brown and scaly
• SLF excrete liquid waste called honeydew that builds up under plants, which sometimes leads to the growth of black sooty mold

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle from Asia that feeds on all native ash trees in New York. After being accidentally transported to the U.S. in infested crates, EAB has killed millions of ash trees and caused billions of dollars in damage and loss.

Some signs that an ash tree is infested with EAB include:

• “Blonding” of the trunk due to woodpeckers pecking off the outer bark in search of the larvae
• Tree canopy dieback, yellowing or browning of leaves
• Distinct D-shaped exit holes in the bark
• S-shaped larvae galleries under the bark

Spongy Moth

The spongy moth is a non-native insect from France. The caterpillars are known to feed on the leaves of trees like willow, maple, apple, crabapple, and more. According to the DEC, spongy moths have “naturalized” in the state’s forests, so they will always be present. Although the spongy moth can cause significant damage, it does not pose a significant threat to New York’s forests overall.

Some signs that a tree has been infested with spongy moths include:

• Silky, fuzzy, or velvety hairs on the underside of leaves or on the branches
• Droppings that resemble small brown pellets
• Leaves that turn yellow or develop holes

Round Goby

The round goby is a highly invasive bottom-dwelling fish from Europe’s Black and Caspian Seas. They are brownish-gray in color with dark brown or black splotches.

Some signs of round goby infestation include:

• Scales that look like small hooks
• Black spots or spots with white borders
• Fin rays that appear to be dark or black
• Presence of round goby in shallow or deep water

Water Chestnut

Water chestnut is an aquatic invasive plant that is native to Eurasia and Asia. The plant invades shallow areas of freshwater lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and rivers.

Some signs of water chestnut infestation include:

• Dense mats of leaves and stems
• Widespread seed dispersal and germination
• Disruption of native plant communities
• Reduced water clarity and dissolved oxygen levels

Other Invasive Species in NY

Some other terrestrial and aquatic invasive species in New York include giant hogweed, hemlock woolly adelgid, oak wilt, beef leaf disease, and many more. The DEC advises that preventing the spread of invasive species is essential to reduce their negative impacts on the state’s ecosystems.

To prevent the spread of invasive species, the DEC recommends:

* Using local firewood
* Following state requirements before launching any watercraft into public waterbodies
* Using native plants when gardening and landscaping

Additional resources, including ways to report invasive species sightings, can be found on the DEC Invasive Species webpage.

Conclusion

New York is not immune to the threat of invasive species. To protect the state’s ecosystems and native species, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common method of spreading invasive species?
A: Human transportation, trade, and accidental transfer on luggage, firewood, and clothing are common methods of spreading invasive species.

Q: What are the most common types of invasive species in NY?
A: Examples of invasive species in NY include spotted lanternfly, emerald ash borer, spongy moth, round goby, and water chestnut, among others.

Q: What can I do to prevent the spread of invasive species?
A: Use local firewood, follow state requirements before launching watercraft, use native plants in gardening and landscaping, and report any invasive species sightings to the DEC.

Q: How do I identify an invasive species?
A: Pay attention to distinctive characteristics, such as unusual leaves, stems, or body structures, and look for signs of infestation or damage to the environment. Consult with experts, such as natural resource professionals, for assistance.