About 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.
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.
How to Identify Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Buprestidae. Adults typically measure 8-14 mm.
Emerald Ash Borer Habitat
Emerald Ash Borer is found in forests habitats, particularly across Asia, North America (invasive). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Emerald Ash Borer Diet and Feeding
Emerald Ash Borer feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Emerald Ash Borer Found?
Emerald Ash Borer can be found in Asia, North America (invasive), where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Emerald Ash Borer can be found
Is Emerald Ash Borer Dangerous?
Emerald Ash Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Emerald Ash Borer Role in Nature
Emerald Ash Borer is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Ash Borer
What does Emerald Ash Borer look like?
The Emerald Ash Borer typically measures 8-14 mm.
Where is Emerald Ash Borer found?
The Emerald Ash Borer is found in Asia, North America (invasive) and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Emerald Ash Borer eat?
The Emerald Ash Borer feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Emerald Ash Borer dangerous to humans?
The Emerald Ash Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Emerald Ash Borer?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/emerald-ash-borer
MLA:
"Emerald Ash Borer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/emerald-ash-borer.