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

Emerald Ash Borer

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

This beetle has specialized antennae that help them detect ash trees by their unique chemical scents, guiding them to perfect egg-laying spots.

Emerald Ash Borer larvae can bore winding tunnels under ash tree bark because of their strong mandibles, which helps them consume vital tissues.

Emerald Ash Borer larvae pupate and then chew a distinctive D-shaped hole to exit the tree, which helps identify their presence.

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

parasitizes

White Ash

Fraxinus americana

Larvae tunnel under bark, killing trees.

parasitizes

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Major host tree for larval development.

eaten by

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

Woodpeckers excavate bark to eat larvae.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.

Invasive

Sometimes, plants or animals move to a new place where they don't naturally belong. They can grow so much that they make it hard for the native plants and animals to thrive.