Insects and Spiders - native

unknown on Oct 5, 2022

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Approximately 1/2 long emerald green beetle with round abdomen. Looks like pictures of this beetle. One in the house and one out on the curb. Bore holes in adjoining trees.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! EAB is very slender; you wouldn't describe it as having a round abdomen. We are late for the flight season of adult EAB, too. 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 Oregon insects that could be mistaken for EAB

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

Are your trees ash trees? Emerald ash borer makes D-shaped holes about 1/8" wide, and only attacks ash trees. Here is the address of Oregon Department of Agriculture's IPPM Survey and treatment projects EAB page

https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/IPPM/SurveyTreatment/Pages/EmeraldAshBorer.aspx

Scroll down to find the EAB Response Plan for Oregon, and more information about how to recognize EAB attack, so that you can monitor your trees.

Tom Valente
Oct. 5, 2022, 1:23 a.m.