Longhorn Beetle (Monochamus scutellatus)

Observation: I was going into my office this morning and noticed an insect on the door, so, I asked co-workers to take a picture. Would like to have the insect identified by photograph since I've never seen it before. Could invasive insect be an indicator of changing weather patterns? Frank L. Johnson II

Cooperative Extension Services Consult: Jessie Moan, Statewide IPM Technician advises that, "this is a type of longhorn beetle (Family: Cerambycidae). Unfortunately, without more information or the actual specimen it is difficult to determine what species of longhorn beetle as there are several in Alaska. At this time there is no reason to believe this is not a native species either to Alaska or to Nome." Source: University of Alaska Fairbanks

LEO says: To submit an insect sample for review Jessie Moan, UAF-CES writes in a recent July, 2014 post, "In regards to shipping specimens: insects should be shipped dead and can be killed by either placing them in the freezer for a few days or by putting them in rubbing alcohol. Dead insects should be placed in a small container with a tight fitting lid and plenty of cushioning (cotton balls are great for this). This container can be placed in a small box and shipped via USPS or UPS. I hear FedEx is not big on shipping insects (living or otherwise). In addition to the actual specimen it would be fantastic to also have some information about where the insect was collected, including the name of the collector, the date it was collected, the location (community name), and what the insect was collected from, for example: the side of a house, a flower (naming the type of plant is very helpful), etc. Additional information about what the insects were doing when they were observed/collected would not be turned down!" Samples can be sent to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service).