Invasive species...coming to a town near you

Invasive species are a significant problem world wide.  Invasive species can displace native species, disrupt sensitive ecosystems, and cause serious economic damage to important agricultural goods. While the list of invasive species is quite large in the United States, I would like to highlight two examples of invasive species found in the state of Ohio.

 Invasive species #1: Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels were first introduced in the Great Lakes from ship ballast from western Europe.  These mussels are prolific reproducers and have few if any natural predators.  Zebra mussels adhere to various substrates and clog water intake pipes and other man made structures.  They also have displaced a number of native mussel species.  A brief summary of some of the damaging effects of zebra mussels can be found here: Zebra Mussels in Lake Erie

Image of Zebra Mussels on a Current Meter (image credit: NOAA)

Emerald Ash Borer

Invasive species #2: Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borers are beetles in the family Buprestidae that are native to Asia. As the name implies, emerald ash borers bore holes into the wood of  ash trees.  Eggs of emerald ash borers hatch from crevices in the bark of trees and larvae burrow into ash trees making galleries in the wood.  Larvae feed on tree phloem and disrupt the ability of trees move nutrients.  Emerald ash borers are found in all parts of Ohio and the moving of firewood is a common way in which eggs and larvae are moved into new areas that may not have been exposed.  A number of reporting and identification cites exist.  See here: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture and here: Ohio State Extension Office

For more information on invasive species in Ohio see here: Invasive Plants and here: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Invasive Species)