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Forests, Parks & RecreationAgriculture, Food & Markets

Photo by James E. Appleby, University of Illinois

Module 3B:Vermont Forest Pest

First Detector Program

Presented by: Rhonda Mace

USDA-APHIS

Why Should We Be Concerned about the Emerald Ash Borer?

Killed tens of millions of ash trees already.

New forest openings provide prime habitat for invasive plants.

Ash is a commodity wood product.

Important part of the northeast ecosystem.

Healthy ash trees are susceptible. Current infestations of concern: eastern NY and Quebec, Canada.

EAB Hosts

Green Ash Black Ash

White AshSeeds

Current U.S. DistributionDetection Timeline:• 2002-Detroit, Michigan• 2003-Ohio• 2004-Northern Indiana• 2006-Northern Illinois and

Maryland• 2007- Western

Pennsylvania and West Virginia

• 2008-Wisconsin, Missouri and Virginia

• 2009-Minnesota, New York and Kentucky

• 2010-Iowa and eastern NY• 2011-West Point and

Selkirk, NY

**Canada has also reported that EAB has been detected in Ontario and Quebec

catalog.kohavt.org

Why is EAB Difficult to Control?

EAB adults are relatively strong fliers

Small and difficult to detect early

Human facilitated movement of the pest

˃ Ash tree nursery stock

˃ Infested ash logs or firewood

*Shipments of ash nursery trees and ash logs with bark are now regulated, and transporting firewood outside of the quarantined areas is illegal, but transport of infested firewood remains a problem.

Emerald Ash Borer Life Cycle

Reproduction1. Lay eggs shortly after emergence (May-August).

2. Eggs are light yellow color, oval-shaped. Laid individually on bark surface or in bark crevices on trunks or branches.

3. 30-60 eggs during lifetime. 4. Hatch in 7 to 10 days.

LarvaeLarvae bore through bark to feed on phloem

and cambium.

Larvae form S-shaped tunnels that are flat and wide and packed with frass.

Mature larvae ~1” long, creamy white, flat and broad-shaped body with bell shaped segments.

Overwinter under bark.

PupaeLarvae enter the pupal stage in

spring. Remain under bark as they

pupate. Adults emerge from the tree once

pupation is complete.

Adult BeetleAdults emerge from tree through D-

shaped exit holes (May throughout summer).

Live about 20 days. Bright metallic green with rounded

bellies and flat backs (bullet shaped).

~1/2” in length and about 1/16th” wide.

Commonly Confused with EAB

Six-spotted tiger beetle• Ground dwelling beetle

• White spots on back edge of wing covers

Two-lined chestnut borer• Bronze –black with two distinct lines down each wing

cover• Found on oak species

Congratulations! You have now completed Module 3B.

Please return to the First Detector Resource webpage at

www.vtinvasives.organd complete the Module 3B Quiz.

Rhonda MaceRhonda.j.mace@aphis.usda.gov

802-828-4546