Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It (Scientists in the Field)

A fascinating nonfiction photo essay about the tree-killing Asian long-horned beetle living in our very own backyards.

The Asian longhorned beetle came to America from China, living in wood turned into shipping material. At first the beetles invaded urban areas, where hardwood trees were in limited supply—but now there is bad news in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Ontario. Infestations have erupted in hardwood forests, and these beetles are very good at killing trees.

Clint McFarland’s job? Stop the ALB at any cost. How do you balance the needs of residents, the environment, and an invasive species primed to wipe out entire forests? It takes the help of everyday people, bug scientists, and tree doctors to eradicate this invasive pest.