Agrilus viridis
Beech splendour beetle
Larvae feed subcortically in branches of a larger diameter or in thin trunks. Life cycle lasts 1 to 2 years. The larvae excavates S-shaped feeding galleries under bark of branches and trunks. Apart from freshly felled trees, this secondary pest attacks also seriously weakened, languishing trees. Sufficient food sources can cause their serious outbreak mainly after hot summers and dry years. To pupate, the larva penetrates about 5-10 cm into wood. Adults fly from May to August, when they spend time sitting on leaves of host plants. The species is broadly polyphagous on deciduous trees but preferring Salix caprea, Fagus spp. and Betula spp. The infected stems can be identified by the dark spots on the bark.
The larvae excavates S-shaped feeding galleries under bark of branches and trunks. Dark spots on the bark.
Tree Species: Birch, Beech, Willow
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch
Pest significance: Harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: No
Present in EU: Yes
Pest group: Insect
Affected part of wood: Sapwood
Depth of damages: Bark, Up to 0,5 cm depth, Up to 2 cm depth
The extent of damage: Whole trunk
Prevalence in Europe: Very common
Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood), Furniture, Lumber, boards and prisms, Wooden house constructions
Roundwood size: Branches and twigs, Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm
Wood discoloration: Yes
Exit holes: D-shape
Pest subcategory: Bark and underbark insect, Wood-boring insect
Similar pests
Agrilus sulcicollis
Agrilus biguttatus
