In downtown Vancouver in June 2023, amateur entomologist Andrew Short had a chance encounter with a metallic green beetle that turned out to be the first emerald ash borer identified in Canada west of Manitoba. Short, known for his interest in insects and plants, captured the beetle after it collided with him on a bench. He later handed it over to authorities, sparking a series of investigations to combat the destructive pest that has caused significant damage to ash forests in North America.
The discovery led to a study published in the journal BioInvasions Records, detailing Short’s role in identifying the emerald ash borer in Vancouver. The research revealed heavily infested trees in Andy Livingstone Park, located near the spot where Short found the beetle. Forest entomologist Chris MacQuarrie praised Short’s quick actions, noting the rarity of finding an adult emerald ash borer, which measures about 1.4 centimeters.
Short’s proactive approach in reporting the invasive species to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency led to further research efforts in Vancouver. Traps were set, and tree samples collected near the initial sighting site. While adult ash borers were not captured, larvae were found in the branch samples. The closest known infestation to Vancouver is in Winnipeg, with another population in Oregon.
The study highlighted the challenge of detecting emerald ash borers, as they often remain unnoticed for years in new areas until signs of infestation such as sick or dead trees become apparent. The researchers could not determine how the beetle was introduced to Vancouver, but the presence of an infested tree in Burnaby suggests a potential extension of a preexisting undetected infestation.
Short’s discovery has provided researchers with valuable insights into the behavior of the emerald ash borer in Vancouver’s climate. The beetle’s rapid growth rate in warmer conditions poses a threat to the local tree population. Early detection is crucial for implementing mitigation strategies, including insecticides, tree removal, diversification of tree species, and public awareness campaigns.
The significance of Short’s finding has attracted attention beyond Vancouver, with international collaborations initiated to study the beetle’s impact on European ash species. Despite some viewing Short’s bug-catching hobby as unusual, he finds solace in the simplicity of observing and appreciating the natural world around him.
