Insects and Spiders - native

Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli) on Sep 18, 2024

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

I saw this a year ago (9/17/23) and thought it might be an EAB, but thought they were already established throughout the state. Just realized I have a a picture after seeing they're only known in 3 counties

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This is not EAB. It's a native member of the Metallic Wood-boring beetle family, the Western cedar borer, Trachykele blondeli. 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
Sept. 20, 2024, 1:58 a.m.

Resources

Western Cedar Borer information on iNaturalist and a guide to wood boring beetles in Oregon from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Location

Backyard Springfield

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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