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learn Learn About Invasive Species

What makes a species invasive?

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or microbes that pose serious threats to human health and well-being, the environment, or our economy.

Why should I care? Examples of invasive species damage:

Harm to our well-being

Asian carp jumping in Indiana rivers can injure boaters or damage boats.

Damage to our environment

Fast-growing invasive plants can choke-out native plants and take over forest stands.

Impact on our economy

Feral hogs can introduce diseases to domestic swine and damage crops, including corn, wheat, melons, and pastures.

identify Identify Indiana Invasives

Learn more about a few of the most harmful invasive pests in Indiana.

Spotted Lanternfly
Asian Carp
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Feral Hogs
Emerald Ash Borer
Callery Pear
Japanese Stiltgrass
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Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly

What you need to know:

  • The spotted lanternfly is not widespread in Indiana and we need to keep it that way. Don't move firewood
  • Spotted lanternfly adults are 1 inch long and a half inch wide with wings folded.
  • Egg masses have a gray, mud-like covering that can become grey and cracked over time.
  • Check for egg masses on trees, rocks, camping equipment, vehicles and outdoor structures and anything stored outside.

    • For more information

  • Check out this brochure to see how you can help.
  • Download this poster.
  • Visit the INDR DEPP website.
    • Asian Carp

    Asian Carp

    What you need to know:

  • Silver carp are up to 3 feet long and can weigh up to 60 pounds; bighead carp are up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds.
  • When disturbed by motor boats, they can jump out of the water, damaging boats and harming passengers.
  • Their explosive population growth reduces the number and health of other fish you like to catch.
  • They eat lots of plankton, reducing the amount of food available for other species in the aquatic food chain.
  • Don’t release an Asian carp into another body of water. It is Illegal to move or possess a live Asian carp without a permit.

    • For more information on stopping the flow of Asian carp,

  • Watch this brief video.
  • Check out this flyer and brochure to see how you can help.
  • Download the poster. (Photo: T. Lawrence, Great Lakes Fishery Commission)
    • Asian Beetle

    Asian Longhorned Beetle

    What you need to know:

  • The Asian longhorned beetle hasn’t been found in Indiana yet – and we need to keep it that way! Don't move firewood.
  • This beetle is 1 to 1.5 inches in length with long antennae that are banded black and white.
  • This invader targets 12 types of shade trees, including maple, ash, elm, birch, and poplar.
  • Check for dime-sized or smaller exit holes in tree trunks or branches, shallow oval or round scars in tree bark, and sawdust-like material on the ground around the tree.

    • For more information on stomping out the Asian longhorned beetle,

  • Learn how to identify the beetle and signs of damage.
  • Download the poster.
    • Feral Hogs

    Feral Hogs

    What you need to know:

  • Feral hogs pose significant threats to agriculture and the environment, as their rooting damages crops, parks, and lawns. They also damage wildlife habitats.
  • Their hair is coarse and denser than a domestic pig, their snout is flat and long, and their tails vary from straight to curled.
  • Most are black, and males have four large tusks that are 3 to 5 inches long.
  • They are most commonly found in southern Indiana counties such as Jackson and Lawrence.

    • For more information on stopping the feral hog, see

  • General information at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
  • Ways to identify feral hog presence on your property.
  • Download the poster.
    • Emerald Ash Borer

    Emerald Ash Borer

    What you need to know:

  • The emerald ash borer feeds on, yep, you guessed it, ash trees. Their larvae feed on the tree and can eventually kill it.
  • The adult beetles are bright metallic green, about a third of an inch long, and present from mid-May through late July.
  • Don’t move firewood! This invasive insect can be spread by moving infested ash firewood and logs to new areas —so purchase firewood locally.
  • The emerald ash borer has been found in all 92 Indiana counties.

    • For more information on stopping the spread of emerald ash borer, see

  • Purdue Extension’s emerald ash borer website, which has a wealth of information for homeowners.
  • The Indiana Department of Natural Resources summary.
  • Download the poster.
    • Callery Pear

    Callery Pear

    What you need to know:

  • Callery pear (often called Bradford, Aristocrat, or Cleveland Select, among other names) may look pretty, but it’s crowding out Indiana native trees!
  • The shiny green leaves of this tree are egg-shaped, and their wavy edges have fine teeth. It’s the first tree with white flowers in the spring and dark crimson leaves late into the fall. Its white flowers have five petals and a really unpleasant odor.
  • Using Callery pear in your yard allows them to spread to forests and parks.
  • Consider planting the serviceberry tree, Eastern redbud, or other alternatives.

    • For more information about stopping the invasive invasive Callery pear:

  • Watch this video to learn how to identify it.
  • Learn why Callery pear is such a threat to Indiana native trees.
  • Download the poster.
    • Japanese Stiltgrass

    Japanese Stiltgrass

    What you need to know:

  • This sprawling grass grows up to 4 feet tall, and its pale green, lance-shaped leaves are 1 to 4 inches long. You can recognize it from the silvery stripe down the center of the leaf.
  • When Japanese stiltgrass is introduced to a forest area, it can easily create a lawn in the understory, choking out native plants and tree seedlings.
  • Be careful to brush your boots after hiking to avoid introducing it to new areas — and watch for it in your lawn, too.

    • For more information about halting the spread of Japanese stiltgrass:

  • Learn more about the invasive threat posed by Japanese stiltgrass.
  • Download the poster.
    • report

    report Report Indiana Invasives!

    Download this handy app from EDDMapS to report locations for any Indiana invasive species.

    Call 1-866 NO EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)

    Email DEPP@dnr.in.gov

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