Goldspotted oak borer: Field identification guide

Abstract

The goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus auroguttatus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a flatheaded borer new to California that poses a significant threat to oak trees. The pest is native to southeastern Arizona, although a related species occurs in southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. GSOB was first collected and identified in California in 2004 in San Diego County but was not linked to extensive oak mortality until 2008. As of 2010, GSOB has killed an estimated 21,500 trees covering 1,893 square miles in San Diego County in forests, parks, and residential landscapes.

Citation

Hishinuma, S.; Coleman, T.W.; Flint, M.L.; Seybold, S.J. 2011. Goldspotted oak borer: Field identification guide. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest management Program. 6 p