A Faunal Survey of Coleoptera, Hemiptera (Heteroptera), and Lepidoptera Associated with Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Marshall (Oleaceae) in the Red River Valley of Eastern North Dakota

Abstract

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis; EAB) is an invasive wood-boring beetle causing mortality of ash trees in North America. This project was initiated because of the threat of EAB moving into North Dakota. The main objective was to establish a baseline of insects associated with ash (Fraxinus) in the Red River Valley of North Dakota before EAB arrives. Taxonomic groups focused on include: Coleoptera, Hemiptera (Heteroptera), and Lepidoptera. Ten sites were surveyed regularly. Sites were chosen due to their ash content: nine sites contained green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), and one site contained black ash (F. nigra). Surveying was performed during the months of May through September in 2010 and 2011. Overall, 4,301 specimens from 53 families in three orders were identified in this study, totalling at least 276 distinct taxa. 23 of the species collected and identified in this study were found to be associated with Fraxinus.