Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director

Emerald Ash Borer Identification

Agrilus Planipennis Fairmaire

Larvae and Galleries

Larvae are 26-32 mm (1-1¼ inches) long when mature, white to cream-colored, somewhat flattened, have 10 abdominal segments, and a pair of pincer-like appendages on the last segment. They produce winding S-shaped feeding galleries in the inner bark and outer sapwood. Galleries become progressively larger and are packed with fine, sawdust-like frass. Identification of Ash Trees

Larvae

larvae
Photo by: David Cappaert, Michigan State University

Gallery Size

gallery size
Photo by: James Smith, USDA APHIS PPQ

EAB Gallery

gallery
Photo by: Ed Czerwinski, Ontario Min. of Natural Resources,
Photos courtesy of http://www.forestryimages.org

Adult Beetle

The adult emerald ash borer is only 7.5 to 13.5 mm (about ¼ to ½ inch) long. Color is bronze to golden green overall, with darker, metallic, emerald-green wing covers. Adults are active during summer months (in Michigan) and feed on ash foliage.

Emerald Ash Borer

Photo of Emeralld Ash Borer
Photo by: David Cappaert, Michigan State University

EAB Size Comparison

Photo of Emerald Ash Borer on a penny.
Photo by: Howard Russell, Michigan State University http://www.na.fs.fed.us
Photos courtesy of http://www.forestryimages.org

Insects that are NOT the Emerald Ash Borer

Chrysobothris chrysoela is a native beetle in the same family as the Emerald Ash Borer (Buprestidae). It attacks weakened individuals of many hardwood trees including ash. The adult is metallic green, but unlike the EAB it has spots on its wing covers and has a wider body. The exit holes of C. chrysoela are similar in size to those of the EAB (3-4 mm wide), but are somewhat more oval-shaped rather than distinctly D-shaped.

Principle Reference: McCullough, D.G. and S.A. Katovich. 2004. Pest Alert: Emerald Ash Borer. NA-PR-02-04. USDA For. Serv., St. and Priv. For., NE Area, Newtown Square, PA.
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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