What Animals Eat the Eastern Hemlock?
Eastern hemlock trees are abundant in Massachusetts and can live up to 350 years. Most of the forests in Massachusetts are filled with the eastern hemlock, which are coniferous with dark green branches and have a pyramid shape. These hemlock forests are the homes of a variety of animal and insect species that use the trees for daily survival.
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Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
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The hemlock woolly adelgid is an exotic insect that was introduced to the United States in the mid-20th century. The majority of these harmful insects are found in the western United States and Asia, but the population found in the northeastern United States originated from southern Japan. The damage done by these pests is minimal because the insects feed on natural enemies and the tree have developed a slight resistance to help fend off HWA infestations over the years. If the HWA feed on the hemlock for a few years, the tree will die.
Elongate Hemlock Scale
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The elongate hemlock scale is another harmful, exotic insect that poses a major threat to the eastern hemlock . These insects originated in Japan. They have been found in at least nine states, stretching from Virginia to southern New England and as far West as Ohio. The EHS attacks the lower surface of the hemlock needle, where it removes fluids with its sucking mouth parts. When dying from scale infestation, the eastern hemlock will have yellow foliage and major limbs will die. Within 10 years, the tree will die.
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Red Squirrels
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The red squirrel is small and has reddish-gray fur on its back and cream-colored fur on its belly. Its tail is not as long and fluffy as other tree squirrels. The red squirrel feeds on the eastern hemlock's seeds, which make up most of the red squirrel's diet. The squirrel will take the seeds and bury them in the ground until they return to feed on them.
Snowshoe Hare
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The snowshoe hare is a medium-sized rabbit that is named after the shape of its feet. which are long with toes that can be spread out to act like snowshoes. Their feet even have a little fur on the bottom to keep them warmer and give them more traction. The snowshoe hare is found in the northeastern United States. They feed on the eastern hemlock's foliage.
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References
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