Emerald Ash Borer
ExploreInsects
Emerald Ash Borer
Agrilus planipennis
The Emerald Ash Borer is a shiny green beetle that loves to eat ash trees. They are small but can cause big problems for forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Emerald Ash Borer is a slender, metallic green beetle with iridescent wing covers. Its flat back distinguishes it from many other beetles, and under its wings, segments of its body are a coppery-red or purplish color.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyBuprestidaeGenusAgrilus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
First found in North America in 2002, likely arrived in wood packing.
It's tiny, yet has wiped out millions of ash trees across North America!
Its invasion costs billions of dollars in tree removal and treatment.
This beetle creates unique D-shaped exit holes when it emerges from trees.
Special abilities
Ability
Ash Tree Scent Tracker
This beetle has specialized antennae that help them detect ash trees by their unique chemical scents, guiding them to perfect egg-laying spots.
Ability
Tree Destroyer
Emerald Ash Borer larvae can bore winding tunnels under ash tree bark because of their strong mandibles, which helps them consume vital tissues.
Ability
D-Shaped Exit
Emerald Ash Borer larvae pupate and then chew a distinctive D-shaped hole to exit the tree, which helps identify their presence.
Ability
Iridescent Camouflage
The Emerald Ash Borer has a shimmering green exoskeleton that helps it blend into leafy environments, evading predators.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 7.5-13.5 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Emerald Ash Borer larvae consume the inner bark of ash trees, cutting off nutrient flow.
Age differences: Larvae consume ash tree inner bark; adults nibble ash leaves but cause less damage.
Primary Foods
- Ash tree phloem
- Ash tree cambium
- Ash tree leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Also known as
EABEmerald Ash Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Avoid touching these beetles as they can harm trees. If you see one, tell an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Emerald Ash Borer?
7.5-13.5 mm
How long does Emerald Ash Borer live?
365-730 days
How fast can Emerald Ash Borer fly?
10 km/h
What does Emerald Ash Borer eat?
Emerald Ash Borer larvae consume the inner bark of ash trees, cutting off nutrient flow.
Where is Emerald Ash Borer usually found?
Forests
How does Emerald Ash Borer hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Emerald Ash Borer have?
6
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