Insects and Spiders - native

Jewel Beetles, species unknown (Buprestis spp.) on Jul 21, 2022

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Pics included

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This is not EAB. It's a native member of the Metallic Wood-boring beetle family in the genus Buprestis. These beetles are larger and less slender than EAB. They are not tree killers.

There are a number of iridescent green look-alike beetles in Oregon that are not pests. I am attaching a link to the ODA EAB webpage with some photos of other Oregon insects that could be mistaken for EAB

https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/IPPM/SurveyTreatment/Documents/EABLookAlikes.pdf

Thanks for being on the lookout!

Tom Valente
July 21, 2022, 1:48 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

This was found at Humbug State Park day use area by a visitor, it landed on their face. In the parking area.

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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