Insects and Spiders - native

Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli) on Aug 18, 2025

Originally reported as Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Description of specimen

Submitter has sample

Fluorescent green beetle approximately 1/2 inch long

Commentary

Avatar of commenter 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 ODF EAB webpage with some photos of other Oregon insects that could be mistaken for EAB

https://oregon-eab-geo.hub.arcgis.com/pages/identify

Thanks for being on the lookout!

Tom Valente
Aug. 19, 2025, 8:07 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

Found in backyard of home

Expert Reviewer

Avatar of Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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