One beetle too many: The emerald ash-borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), threatens Fraxinus trees in Europe

The emerald ash-borer, Agrilus planipennis constitutes a major risk to ash (Fraxinus) trees in Europe. This beetle, originating from Eastern Asia, has become a pest in northern America, killing over 20 million Fraxinus trees. The larvae destroy ash trees by boring serpentine tunnels in the phloem, just beneath the bark, cutting off food. No control method exists other than destroying the larvae by cutting and chipping host trees. The potential impact if this beetle invades Europe will be huge.