Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in the U.S. in 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.

They probably arrived here on wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. Since its discovery, EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America.

View the Dealing with Emerald Ash Borer: A Decision-Making Guide (PDF).

Adult Emerald Ash Beetles

Adult Beetles are metallic green and about 1 half inch long.

Emergent Emerald Ash Borer

Adults leave a D-shaped exit hole in the bark when they emerge in spring.

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It attacks only ash trees (Fraxinus spp.)