Invasive species are organisms (plants, animals and pathogens) that are not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.  Due to the potential harm invasive species can cause to natural communities and systems, all New Yorkers have a stake in the issue.

Potential pathways for individuals to spread invasive species include the aquarium trade, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Seeds, plant parts, or larvae attached on boots, waders, clothing, automobiles, recreational and commercial boats, paddles, life jackets, and bilge water are examples of some potential vectors that may spread invasive species. 

Many invasive species are already within New York State and some are in states bordering New York. It is important to be able to identify these species and understand their impacts to respond quickly to new invaders. Below are species profiles that provide information on the appearance, biology, distribution and management information.

 

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Species Categories:

Agricultural Insect Invaders  |  Aquatic Animals  |  Aquatic Plants  |  Insects  |  Pathogens & Parasites  |  Terrestrial Animals  |  Terrestrial Plants

Agricultural Insect Invaders

• Spotted Lanternfly– Lycorma delicatula
• Spotted Wing Drosphila– Drosophila suzukii

Aquatic Animals

• Asian Carp– Hypopthalmichtys nobilis & Hypopthalmichthys molitrix
• Asian Clam– Corbicula fluminea
• Asian Shore Crab– Hemigrapsus sanguineus
• Chinese Mitten Crab– Eriocheir sinensis
• Fishhook Water Flea– Cercopagis pengoi
• Mute Swan– Cygnus olor
• Northern Snakehead– Chana argus
• Round Goby– Neogobius melanostomus
• Sea Lamprey– Petromyzon marinus
• Spiny Waterflea– Bythotrephes longimanus (formerly Bythotrephes cederstroemi)
• Zebra and Quagga Mussel– Dreissena polymorpha

Aquatic Plants

• Common Reed– Phragmites australis
• Eurasian Watermilfoil– Myriophyllum spicatum
• Hydrilla– Hydrilla verticillata
• Purple Loosestrife– Lythrum salicaria
• Rock Snot/Didymo– Didymosphenia geminata
• Water Chestnut– Trapa natans
• Yellow Flag Iris– Iris pseudacorus

Insects

• Asian Longhorned Beetle– Anoplophora glabripennis
• Emerald Ash Borer– Agrilus planipennis
• European Crane Fly– Tipula paludosa
• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid– Adelges tsugae
• Sirex Woodwasp– Sirex noctilio
• Swede Midge– Contarinia nasturtii
• Walnut Twig Beetle/Thousand Canker Disease– Pityophthorus juglandis

Pathogens & Parasites

• Late Blight– Phytophythora infestans
• Oak Wilt– Ceratocystis fagacearum
• Plum Pox Virus– Potyvirus sp.
• Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia– Novirhabdovirus sp.

Terrestrial Animals

• European Starling– Sturnus vulgaris
• Feral Swine– Sus scrofa
• Giant African Land Snail– Lissachatina fulica, formerly Achatina fulica

Terrestrial Plants

• Common Buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica
• Garlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolata
• Giant Hogweed– Heracleum mantegazzianum
• Honeysuckle spp.– Lonicera morrowii, Lonicera tartarica, Lonicera maackii & Lonicera japonica
• Japanese Knotweed– Polygonum cuspidatum
• Japanese Stiltgrass– Microstegium vimineum
• Japanese Virgin’s Bower– Clematis terniflora
• Kudzu – Pueraria montana
• Lesser Celandine– Ficaria verna, formerly Ranunculus ficaria L.
• Mile-a-minute– Persicaria perfoliata
• Mugwort– Artemesia vulgaris
• Multiflora Rose– Rosa multiflora
• Norway Maple– Acer platanoides
• Swallowwort, Pale and Black– Vincetoxicum rossicum; syn. Cynanchum rossicum
• Wild Parsnip– Pastinaca sativa
• Wineberry– Rubus phoenicolasius