Insects and Spiders - native

Jewel Beetles, species unknown (Buprestis spp.) on Jul 12, 2022

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Insect appears to resemble the Emerald Ash Borer, but I could be mistaken. The bug died on its own, but is approximately 1/2” to 3/4” long. Body and head are emerald in color.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This is a native, non-destructive species, a Buprestis beetle, likely Buprestis aurulenta or Buprestis intricata. Buprestis aurulenta feeds on a wide variety of conifers, unlike emerald ash borer, which feeds only on ash. The golden buprestid only attacks dying or recently dead trees. However, the grubs can survive for decades in untreated lumber cut from infested trees, sometimes emerging from houses many years after construction. Golden buprestids cannot reinfest lumber or houses. You can see more photos and a range map of golden buprestid beetles on iNaturalist, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/215596-Buprestis-aurulenta. Emerald ash borers are about half the size of golden buprestids and a quarter as wide. There is a nice guide to look-alikes from ODA here: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/IPPM/SurveyTreatment/Documents/EABLookAlikes.pdf

Lindsey Wise
July 14, 2022, 6:37 a.m.