Ground Pearl vs Emerald Ash Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ground Pearl Emerald Ash Borer
Scientific Name Margarodes vitis Agrilus planipennis
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Margarodidae Buprestidae
Size 2-4 mm cyst 8-14 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa Asia, North America (invasive)
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Ground Pearl

A subterranean scale insect whose encysted nymphs resemble tiny golden pearls.

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Did You Know?

The pearl-like cysts have been used as beads in jewelry since ancient times.

Emerald Ash Borer

One of the most destructive invasive insects in North America. Native to Asia, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since its detection in Michigan in 2002.

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Did You Know?

The emerald ash borer has killed over 100 million ash trees in North America — the economic damage exceeds $10 billion and threatens to eliminate an entire tree genus.