Identifying the Emerald Ash Borer
This insect kills ash trees
Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle from Asia that was discovered (in North America) near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. The emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes arriving from Asia. Emerald ash borer has now been found in 15 states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin) and in two Canadian provinces.
Since its discovery in the United States in 2002, EAB has killed trees, created regulatory headaches and cost millions in control measures:
- Killed an estimated 50 million to 100 million ash trees in 15 states
- Caused regulatory agencies to enforce quarantines and fines to prevent potentially infested ash trees, logs or firewood from moving out of areas where EAB occurs
- Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars
How to identify EAB
The adult emerald ash borer is a bright green metallic beetle with a slender body (approximately 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide). The larvae (immature stage) is flattened, cream-colored, approximately 1 inch long when fully developed and feeds underneath the bark of ash trees, leaving S-shaped galleries packed with fine frass. The adult beetle emerges from the tree leaving a D-shaped exit hole that is 1/8 inch in diameter. These insects only attack and feed on ash trees; however, there are other insects and borers that are native to Missouri which also attack ash.
The beetles are most likely to be found on or around ash trees. Infested trees may show symptoms such as canopy dieback, vertical bark splits, sprouts from the base or on the trunk, D-shaped holes and woodpecker feeding.
What you can do
Call 866-716-9974 When You I.D. EAB
If you think you might have an emerald ash borer infestation, collect a sample by trapping the insect in a zippered plastic bag. Place the bag in the freezer for several days to kill the insect, then mail the sample in a sturdy container (35mm film canisters or empty pill bottles work well) to one of the addresses below. Be sure to include your contact information and the date and location where you captured the sample.
Rob Lawrence
Forest Entomologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
1110 S. College Ave.
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573/882-9909 ext. 3303
Email: robert.lawrence@mdc.mo.gov
Collin Wamsley
State Entomologist, Missouri Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 630, 1616 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573/751-5505
Email: collin.wamsley@mda.mo.gov
