Urban Barcode Project Team The Beetle Group
Program:
Urban Barcode Project
Year:
2022-23
Research Topic:
Biodiversity & trade
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Animals: Invertebrate

Project:

Determination of the Invasive Beetle Species Present in Central Park
Students:
Jay Huennekens, Allegra Masterson
School:
Dwight School, Manhattan
Mentors:
Michael Paul

Abstract:

This study intends to locate and determine the frequency of invasive beetle species in specified areas of Manhattan. More specifically, North Woods and the Ramble of Central Park. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, invasive beetles such as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-Horned beetle pose great threats to the New York ecosystem. Invasive beetles such as the Bark Beetle and more Borers species occupy 12-20% of non-native species in the USA, Canada, Europe, and China. Additionally, out of the species causing damage to these ecosystems, 12-20% is accounted for by the Bark Beetle and other Borers species (Demidko, 2021). The three main invasive species of Beetle in New York State, according to Cornell University, are the Walnut Twig Beetle, the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, and the Emerald Ash Borer. Meanwhile, the Asian Long-Horned Beetle feeds off a variety of different tree species, including, Maple, Elm, Horse Chestnut, Willow, Sycamore, as

Poster:

DNA Barcoding Poster
View team poster (PDF/PowerPoint)

Team samples: