Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xleborus glabratus)

Many members of the Laurel family, including all of Virginia’s host species for the spicebush caterpillar, are under severe threat from laurel wilt disease. Laurel wilt disease is a vascular disease caused by the fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, that is carried to the host tree by the tiny, 2mm long, redbay ambrosia beetle, Xleborus glabratus.

Source: USDA – https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/one-can-be-deadliest-number-when-it-comes-invasive-species

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