Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Mt. Lake: 2010 Report

Each year, scientists from Virginia Tech's Entomology Department monitor and treat Mountain Lake's Eastern hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis, against the detrimental effects of the wooly adelgid aphid infestation. The 2010 report informs that wooly adelgid populations remained low at Mountain Lake in 2010, thus no insecticide treatments were administered to the trees.

A predaceous small, black beetle Laricobius nigrinus is released as a biological control agent for the wooly adelgid. In 2010, a total of 2,000 L. nigrinus adults were released at Mountain Lake. 

L. nigrinus, native to the Pacific Northwest,
and predator of the exotic wooly adelgid

Continued sampling of the release sites in 2011 will determine if L. nigrinus popluations have become established, and re-assess the survival and health status of the hemlock trees.

Release and recovery locations of predatory
biological control beetles at Mountain Lake.

We extend a big Thank You to all members and friends of the Mountain Lake Conservancy! Your membership and contribution provides direct support for conservation efforts such as the hemlock treatment program at Mountain Lake.