An interdisciplinary approach to investigating an invasive insect pest: Tracking, phenology, and genetics of the Queensland longhorn beetle, Acalolepta aesthetica (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

Authors: Siderhurst, Matthew; Sim, Sheina; DZURISIN, JASON - Colorado State University; BREWER, FRANNY - University Of Hawaii; MIYASHIRO, JADE - University Of Hawaii; CHUN, STACY - Hawaii Department Of Agriculture; MILLER, NICOLE - Eastern Mennonite University; YODER, TIMOTHY - Eastern Mennonite University; Hurst, Anika; Corpuz, Renee; Curbelo, Keena; Gayle, Stephanie

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/18/2026
Publication Date: 4/12/2026
Citation: Siderhurst, M.S., Sim, S.B., Dzurisin, J.D., Brewer, F.K., Miyashiro, J., Chun, S.G., Miller, N.D., Yoder, T.J., Hurst, A.L., Corpuz, R.L., Curbelo, K.M., Gayle, S.M. 2026. An interdisciplinary approach to investigating an invasive insect pest: Tracking, phenology, and genetics of the Queensland longhorn beetle, Acalolepta aesthetica (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). Journal of Insect Science. 26(2). Article ieag033. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieag033.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieag033

Interpretive Summary: Many invasive insects are not known as pests in their native range and therefore, little information about the biology of the species may be recorded. This can be a major determent to surveillance and control measure undertaken by agencies and members of the public attempting to combat these invaders. To defeat these invasives we must understand them better. The project we describe here took an interdisciplinary approach to improving our knowledge of the biology of the invasive Queensland longhorn beetle (QLB) populations on the Island of Hawai'i. Four separate studies were undertaken: 1) a genomic study of CRB, observations of beetle behavior in both 2) a laboratory wind tunnel at night and 3) in the field using harmonic radar tracking, and finally 4) obtaining QLB spatial distribution data through a citizen science web-based reporting application. Our genomic results allow the development of diagnostic tools to differentiate QLB from other longhorn beetles. Behavioral observations suggest that QLB are largely sedentary, move mostly by walking with rare flights, and spend most of their time in trees. Citizen science reports suggest QLB populations are highest in May-July, beetle locations are largely restricted to elevation under 500 m, and population expansions are mostly occurring along the coast. These data combined can be applied to pest management efforts for this important and invasive agricultural pest. Further, we hope this interdisciplinary approach can serve as a framework for research response efforts to invasive insects generally.

Technical Abstract: The Queensland longhorn beetle (QLB), Acalolepta aesthetica (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), was first detected in the Puna District of Hawai'i Island in 2009 and has since been observed to attack high value specialty crops such as cacao (Theobroma cacao), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), and citrus (Citrus spp.), as well as the culturally important kukui, Aleurites moluccanus. Endemic to the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales, QLB had no pest status before introduction into Hawai’i. To address the lack of basic biological data on QLB, we conducted four pilot experiments to support pest management efforts on Hawai'i Island. These included sequencing the CO1 region of the mitochondrial genome, observing beetle behavior in both a laboratory wind tunnel during scotophase and in the field using harmonic radar tracking, and obtaining QLB spatial distribution data through a citizen science web-based reporting application hosted by ArcGIS Online. Our results place QLB in a phylogenetic context which will allow the development of diagnostic tools to differentiate QLB from other longhorn beetles. Behavioral observations suggest that QLB are largely sedentary, move mostly by walking with rare flights, and spend most of their time in trees. Citizen science reports suggest QLB populations are highest in May-July, beetle locations are largely restricted to elevation under 500 m, and population expansions are mostly occurring along the coast. These data combined can be applied to pest management efforts for this important and invasive agricultural pest. Further, we hope this interdisciplinary approach can serve as a framework for research response efforts to invasive insects generally.