Metallic wood borer, Buprestis confluenta on Jul 11, 2023
Submitter has sample
Description of specimen
A metallic green beetle, 1/2 inch in length, with coppery highlights on the abdomen. Short antennae, blunt head, and bullet-shaped body.
Commentary
Thank you for your report! This is not EAB. It's a native member of the Metallic Wood-boring beetle family, Buprestis confluenta. 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
Backyard lawn of our home, landed on our lawn tractor as my husband was mowing. We have a green ash tree within 75 feet of where the insect was found. We are within 100 yards of a forested green belt area bordering the Wallowa river.
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 13, 2023, 3:18 a.m.