this point no one knows specifically how it arrived in Michigan. It is an exotic pest species. The natural range of Agrilus planipennis, or the Emerald Ash Borer, is eastern Russia, Northern China, Japan, and Korea.

Answer: Emerald ash borer is an insect native of Asia (eastern Russia, northeastern China, Mongolia, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea), where it can be found on several species of ash and is not considered a pest. Apparently, it was introduced by accident into Michigan via infested ash crating or pallets.

The Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic insect pest that has been discovered in ash trees in southeastern Michigan.

No one knows for sure. Experts feel that it may have been in the Detroit area as long as five years, based on the age of trees affected and when tree dieback was first observed. While many of the trees affected by this ash borer appear to have been stressed by drought, disease or poor soil, in many instances healthy trees were also infested and killed by the borer.

Answer: Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic, invasive beetle that belongs to the metallic wood-borer family (Buprestidae). It infests and destroys native North American ash trees.

To the best of our knowledge it has only been found on ash trees, hence its name. Trees in wood lots as well as landscaped areas are affected. For the most part, affected trees appear to be at least 2 inches in diameter and larger.

Contact local offices of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University Extension or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. You may also contact the Emerald Ash Borer Hotline toll-free at (866) 325-0023. Information will also be available on the State of Michigan web site at www.michigan.gov and using the key word ? ash borer.

In North America, it has only been found in ash trees. Trees in woodlots as well as landscaped areas are affected. Larval galleries have been found in trees or branches measuring as little as 1-inch in diameter. All species of North American ash appear to be susceptible.

Answer: Emerald ash borer produces only one generation per year. Adults emerge from late May through early August, with emergence peaking in early July. They feed on foliage for one to two weeks prior to mating. Females produce about 50 to 100 eggs, which are laid individually on the bark surface or within bark cracks and crevices. As larvae hatch, they tunnel into the tree, where they feed on the phloem and outer sapwood.

Answer: After emergence from their host tree, emerald ash borer adults fly to nearby ashes to mate and lay eggs. In addition, humans can contribute to the rapid spread of this beetle. The Ohio and Maryland infestations have been traced to infested nursery stock imported from Michigan before the insect was discovered. Transport of firewood and other ash materials from infested areas is another way of artificial propagation.

Answer: Emerald ash borer is a strong flier. Scientists have found in laboratory studies that the beetle has the physiological potential to fly up to six miles in a 24-hour period. However, infestations are spreading at a much slower pace: less than half a mile each year, based on research and observations.

Answer: Research trials and experience have shown that different types of insecticides can protect trees from EAB. However, success is not assured. Research suggests that best control will be obtained when treatments are initiated in the earliest stages of infestation before visible symptoms are present, or perhaps even the year before trees are infested. It is also important to realize that treatments will have to be repeated each year.

Answer: Common signs of infestation include D-shaped exit holes through the bark about one-eighth of an inch wide, S-shaped larval galleries just beneath the bark, thinning canopy, vertical splits in the bark, and unusual shoots sprouting from the main trunk or base of the tree. To see pictures of these symptoms, go to Link.

Answer: First, take a look at the diagnostic check-off list available on this Web site at Link. If you find enough evidence of infestation, call the Ohio Department of Agriculture?s emerald ash borer hotline, (888) OHIO-EAB.

Answer: Ohio State University researchers are studying Asian trees ? in particular Manchurian ash, Fraxinus mandshurica ? as a possible source of resistance genes against emerald ash borer. For more information about this research, go to Link. Answer: Emerald ash borer has natural enemies: fungi, bacteria, parasitic wasps and woodpeckers, for example. But so far those enemies aren?t knocking them back.

Answer: Emerald ash borer was first discovered in the United States June 2002 in the Detroit, Mich. area. The beetle was first found in Ohio Feb. 28, 2003 in Whitehouse, near Toledo (Lucas County). Evidence suggests that emerald ash borer had been in the United States for at least 10 years before it was detected.