Issue 6, May 28, 2010

On the Watch for Emerald Ash Borer

In the first issue of Home, Yard and Garden, Dr. Phil Nixon shared with us the latest news about the emerald ash borer in Illinois. This metallic green beetle was recently found in Iroquois county, just north of Loda. Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for this invasive pest, but do you know what you are looking for?

There are several metallic green beetles that are seen everyday during the summer months. Several are commonly confused with the emerald ash borer. The two I most commonly receive calls and questions about are the Japanese beetle and the six spotted tiger beetle. Both are similar is size to the emerald ash borer, about 3/8 - 5/8 inch long. The Japanese beetle is rounder in shape, and has bronze coloration on its elytra as well as that metallic green sheen. The six spotted tiger beetle is close to the emerald ash borer in size and shape, but has six white spots on its elytra. For more information on these and more look-alikes, check out these links:

Native Borers and Emerald Ash Borer Look-alikes (Adobe PDF)

Don't be Fooled by Look-Alikes (Adobe PDF)

And finally, it's Emerald Ash Borer Awareness week! As we start off the summer camping season this weekend, take care to remember not to move firewood and check out the firewood regulations to make sure you're in compliance. If you have a suspect emerald ash borer or questions about any signs or symptoms (Adobe PDF) you may be seeing, please contact your local extension office or myself at the Illinois Natural History Survey.--Kelly Estes

Author:
Kelly Estes

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