Photo- Penn State Univ.

Where are they from?

Native to China and Korea, this insect was found in Pennsylvania in June of 2007 hitchhiking in firewood or nursery stock.

Why are they so harmful?

Specifically, the larval stage of this insect is the most harmful as they feed on only ash tress inner wood and cambium. The cambium is the living part of the tree and is needed intact for the health of the tree. After 3 to 5 years of an infestation the ash tree will die. Symptoms of infection are, Bark splits, bark flaking, epicormic branching, D-Shaped holes in bark for adult beetles, S-shaped feeding tracks just below bark, and crown die-back. Since 2014, emerald ash borer has decreased our Ash populations by 12% and this number is still rising.

How can I identify this insect?

Use identifying apps like Seek by iNaturalist (On both Apple and Google Play stores).

When unable to use phones, remembering what the insect in all stages looks like from pictures and descriptions is best. Adults are bright metallic green in color, are bullet shaped, and one third of an inch long. Larvae are a white/cream color with 10 segments on the body, the last segment has brown pincers appendages. Larvae is about one inch in length.

Where can I learn more?

PSU Extension-- https://extension.psu.edu/emerald-ash-borer

DCNR-- https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/InsectsAndDiseases/EmeraldAshBorer/Pages/default.aspx