Emerald Ash Borer

Also known as Agrilus planipennis or simply EAB the Emerald Ash Borer is a highly invasive species that is devastating Ash populations across North America.

Scientific Classification

image = ash_borer_1.jpg
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Buprestidae
Genus:	Agrilus
Species:	planipennis
Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Background

The EAB is native to Asia and was first documented in the United States in Southeast Michigan in 2002. It is believed that it was brought here in wooden shipping pallets and other untreated wood products. In its native habitat EAB has several natural predators including multiple species of parasitoid wasps, however in North America there are currently no animals that eat it, however there are studies being done examining the potential role that woodpeckers may have on the species.

Photo from the USDA showing the native range of the EAB.

Photo from the Alaska Department of Agriculture outlining the different life stages of the EAB.