What is the lifecycle of emerald ash borer?
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. Larvae continue to feed through summer and into the fall, with most completing their development prior to over-wintering in the outer bark or just under the inner bark within the outer inch of sapwood. Pupation occurs in mid- to late-spring. Adults emerge soon thereafter to complete the cycle. How does emerald ash borer spread? After emergence from their host tree, emerald ash borer adults fly (in general as far as one-half mile) 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 hav
