Insects and Spiders - native

Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli) on Jun 29, 2020

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

The insect landed on my windshield. At first I thought it was a grasshopper and then I was fascinated to notice it was metallic green. Even it's legs were green. I managed to take two pictures at stop lights. It flew off the windshield near the intersection of Scenic Drive and Jordan Drive in North Albany.

Commentary

Dear Erin, looks like your insect is a beetle of the family Buprestidae. Luckily, it is not an invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), but a native species: Trachykele blondeli blondeli. They are rarely seen, which is interesting as your report is the second report of this species in a single day. There goes our statistic. Anyhow, thank you for reporting.
Helmuth Rogg, Oregon Department of Agriculture

Helmuth Rogg
June 30, 2020, 4:13 a.m.

Resources

Western Cedar Borer information on iNaturalist and a guide to wood boring beetles in Oregon from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Location

The insect landed on my windshield at the intersection of Hwy 20 & SE Clay Street.

Expert Reviewer

Mr. Helmuth Rogg

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