New insect species discovered during recent survey at Green-Wood Cemetery

A new insect species recently discovered during a tree survey at Green-Wood Cemetery is giving scientists something to talk about.

News 12 Staff

Aug 6, 2019, 10:47 AM

Updated 1,725 days ago

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A new insect species recently discovered during a tree survey at Green-Wood Cemetery is giving scientists something to talk about. 
The Wood-Boring Jewel Beetle was found from a wood sample pruned from a beech tree planted at the cemetery. 
Scientists say the species is temporarily being named Agrilus 9895.
Forest Health experts say it's surprising to have discovered a new species in New York City. 
New species are typically discovered in unexplored tropical areas. 
Experts say a DNA analysis of the new beetle shows that it originally came from Europe and scientists say they cause damage to the outer twigs of trees but do not appear to kill trees. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service says they are funding a new three-year survey of trees at Green-Wood and throughout Brooklyn, including Prospect Park. 
The focus will be on trees in the beech family.


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