Insects and Spiders - native

Jewel Beetles, species unknown (Buprestis spp.) on Jul 1, 2025

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Metallic green insect, slightly under one inch in length. Seems a little big to be EAB but felt better to report than not. Unfortunately, did not capture the insect, flew away.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! No, it's not EAB: as you noted, EAB is smaller and more slender, without striations on the wingcovers. This is one of the native Buprestis species. The angle of the image isn't right to identify the species, but Buprestis live in recently dead wood. They are not tree killers.

Tom Valente
July 2, 2025, 3:49 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

Landed on a researcher while sampling in a vineyard surrounded by a mix of conifers and riparian area.

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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