Insects and Spiders - native

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

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Found this dead insect that looks like a Facebook post I just saw. Date is on picture. March.

Commentary

Cannot confirm species. Entomologist suggests golden buprestis (B. aurulenta).

Emily Stevenson
July 14, 2022, 4:32 a.m.

Thank you for your report! As Emily commented, this is likely the native, non-destructive species, the golden buprestid, Buprestis aurulenta, though there are a few other species of Buprestis beetle around, that are not of concern. 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, 6:28 a.m.

Resources

There are a few native, non-destructive wood boring beetles in the Buprestis genus, several of which are metallic green and may be confused with the Emerald Ash Borer. There is a nice guide from Oregon Dept of Agriculture for EAB look-alikes and you can learn more about the Buprestis beetles of Oregon at iNaturalist.

Location

We are in a residential area that backs up to a forested protected green space. We found it in our home.

Expert Reviewer

Mrs. Lindsey Wise
Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic
Oregon iMapInvasives
Institute for Natural Resources
Portland State University

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