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Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer

(Agrilus planipennis)
*Established in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Detected in Michigan's Upper Peninsula*
PROHIBITED IN MICHIGAN

Report this species:

You no longer need to report emerald ash borer (EAB) in Michigan.  If you think you have EAB and want further confirmation, please contact a qualified arborist for a consultation.

If you need additional information about EAB, please call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s customer service center toll-free at: 1-800-292-3939

- Or – use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online tool –http://www.misin.msu.edu

- Or – download the MISIN smartphone app – http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home

- Or – visit the EAB cooperative website at – http://www.emeraldashborer.info

Visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Emerald Ash Borer webpagefor more information.

Identification:

  • Bright, metallic green with purple abdominal segments under its wing covers
  • Length of adult beetle is approximately ½ inch
  • Can fit on the head of a penny
  • Larva are worm-like
  • Create D-shaped exit hole in the tree

Emerald Ash Borer
David Cappaert Michigan State University Bugwood.org - Emerald Ash Borer close-up

Emerald Ash Borer holes
David R McKay USDA APHIS PPQ Bugwood.org - exit hole left by an Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer Larvae
David Cappaert Michigan State University Bugwood.org - larvae stage of the Emerald Ash Borer

Habitat: Urban, suburban, and rural forests

Diet: Adults feed on the foliage of ash trees, while the larvae tunnel and feed on the underside of the bark and cut off the transportation of nutrients and water to the tree.

Native Range: Eastern Russia, Japan, Northern China, and Korea

Local Concern: Since the first discovery in Michigan in 2002, this invasive beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan, both in forests and in neighborhoods. Adults typically only fly about ½ mile. On their own, this species doesn’t spread very far. The real concern with spread is the relocation of infested firewood to non-infested areas. Don’t move firewood!

Means of Introduction: The emerald ash borer most likely arrived in the United States via solid wood packing materials arriving from Asia.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, please visit Michigan.gov/EAB.

Emerald Ash Borer Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF