Species Insects & ArthropodsEmerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer

Agrilus planipennis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

The Emerald Ash Borer is a devastating invasive buprestid beetle from Asia, whose larvae kill virtually all species of native ash trees in North America by girdling them under the bark. Adults are brilliantly metallic green and about half an inch long. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002 it has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the continent.

Habitat
Forests, parks, and urban areas with ash trees
Diet
Larvae: cambium of ash trees. Adults: ash foliage
How common
Common

Best time to see a Emerald Ash Borer

The best time to see a Emerald Ash Borer is February–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,333 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Emerald Ash Borer? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Emerald Ash Borer sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Emerald Ash Borer? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Emerald Ash Borer is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Emerald Cockroach Wasp
Emerald Cockroach Wasp
Ampulex compressa
Emerald Spreadwing
Emerald Spreadwing
Lestes sponsa
European Corn Borer
European Corn Borer
Ostrinia nubilalis
European Earwig
European Earwig
Forficula auricularia
European Fire Ant
European Fire Ant
Myrmica rubra
European Firefly
European Firefly
Lampyris noctiluca
European Ground Beetle
European Ground Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius
European Hornet
European Hornet
Vespa crabro