Jewel Beetles, species unknown (Buprestis spp.) on Apr 24, 2017

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Small green beetle approximately 8mm long with iridescent copper and green back side. The ruler depicted in the photos is in centimeters. I did not have alcohol for capturing and preserving the creature. I thought it looked a bit like the golden buprestid identified as a common lookalike, but a quick internet search made it sound like those are larger.

Commentary

This is not an EAB but another beetle in the Buprestidae family which is in the genus Buprestis rather than Agrilus. It looks similar to the our native golden buprestid. This buprestid is longer and wider than EAB, has fine lines along the wing covers and orangish coloration - all of which differentiates it from EAB.

Christine Buhl
April 24, 2017, 4:44 a.m.