Host selection and feeding preference of Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) on ash (Fraxinus spp.)

Abstract

We studied the host selection behavior and feeding preference of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). A. planipennis is an exotic forest insect pest native to Asia that was discovered in North America in 2002 and is causing widespread mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in southeast Michigan and surrounding states. We compared host selection and feeding behavior on different species of ash including Manchurian ash (F. mandshurica Rupr.), green ash (F. pennsylvanica Marsh), white ash (F. americana L.), black ash (F. nigra Marsh), blue ash (F. quadrangulata Michx.), and European ash (F. excelsior L). Manchurian ash is native to Asia, whereas the other species (native to North America or Europe) represent novel hosts for A. planipennis. Beetles distributed themselves more frequently and fed to a greater extent on green, black, and white ash compared with blue, European, and Manchurian ash. Although beetles consumed every ash species offered to them, Manchurian ash and blue ash were least preferred in feeding bioassays.

Citation

Pureswaran, Deepa S.; Poland, Therese M. 2009. Host selection and feeding preference of Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) on ash (Fraxinus spp.). Environmental Entomology. 38(3): 757-765.