Short pest overview:

It is a green buprestid or jewel beetle native to North-Eastern Asia that feeds on ash species. Females lay eggs in bark crevices on ash trees, and larvae feed underneath the bark of ash trees to emerge as adults in one to two years. In its native range, it is typically found at low densities and does not cause significant damage to trees native to the area. Outside its native range, it is an invasive species and is highly destructive to ash trees native to Europe and North America.

Geographic distribution:

The native range of the emerald ash borer is temperate North-Eastern Asia, which includes Russia, Mongolia, Northern China, Japan, and Korea. The beetle is also invasive in North America and it is expected to reach Central Europe in 2031.

Life-cycle:

Females lay eggs 2 weeks after emergence. Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks, and the tiny larvae bore through the bark and into the cambium and phloem. The life cycle of these pests takes between 1-2 years depending on the climate. Adults begin emerging in mid-June.