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Agrilus planipennis – Emerald Ash Borer

Adult Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

Larval stage of the Emerald Ash Borer

    Emerald Ash Borer (Arrilus planipennis) commonly referred to as EAB, is an invasive wood-boring beetle, native to Asia. It was likely introduced in the mid-1900’s in packing material used for shipping pallets on cargo ships. The beetle was first found in North America in 2002 in Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. From there it spread throughout the North Eastern United States. EAB was found in New York in the spring of 2009.

    Native ash trees comprise much of the hardwood forest found throughout New York State. One of the best ways to prevent further expansion of the EAR’s range is to teach the public to not move firewood when they are traveling which prevents new infestations.

   The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. Emerald Ash Borers have a larval stage that creates s-shaped galleries inside the phloem layer of the trees. This prevents the trees from taking in water and nutrients which kills the native ash. When the bark is peeled away it reveals these larval galleries. When adults emerge from the ash trees they leave “D” shaped exit holes.

Emerald Ash Borer  s-shaped galleries

Emerald Ash Borer  s-shaped galleries

Emerald Ash Borer  “D” shaped exit holes

Emerald Ash Borer  “D” shaped exit holes

Ash trees in Amherst State Park

Ash trees in Amherst State Park

    Native ash trees are one of the dominate trees in Amherst State Park. Going through the park, you will see signs of the Emerald Ash Borer and find many dead or dying Ash trees. The dead Ash trees will be left where are, unless they pose a hazard to the public.

     The Town of Amherst is looking into a plan to replace the dead Ash trees with new varieties of hardwood trees in Amherst State Park.