Agrilus anxius
Bronze birch borer
Agrilus anxius is a buprestid beetle developing on birch (Betula spp.). It is native to North America, where it is considered one of the most important pests of birch in forests, urban plantings and nurseries. The species usually has one generation per year, sometimes extending to two years depending on conditions. Adults emerge from late spring to summer and feed on leaves, causing only minor damage. Females lay eggs in bark crevices. Larvae bore under the bark and create winding galleries in the cambial zone, disrupting transport of water and nutrients. This may lead to gradual dieback or death of trees, especially after repeated attacks.
Sinuous galleries under bark. D-shaped exit holes on stems and branches. Bark cracks and loosens, crowns become sparse.
Tree Species: Birch
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch
Pest significance: Very harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: Yes
Present in EU: No
Pest group: Insect
Affected part of wood: Sapwood
Depth of damages: Under bark only, Up to 0,5 cm depth
The extent of damage: Lokally, Whole trunk
Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood), Lumber, boards and prisms
Roundwood size: Branches and twigs, Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm, Diameter up to 10 cm
Wood discoloration: No
Exit holes: D-shape
Similar pests
Agrilus planipennis
Agrilus derasofasciatus
