Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) beetle

Photomacrograph of an emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis fairmaire) beetle. These beetles have a flattened head with short, serrate anntenae (angled segments which look like a saw; lower centre of image) and two large black compound eyes (for accurate perception of movement) on the sides of the head. They are metallic green in colour with a characteristic metallic red coloured abdomen (dorsal surface). The emerald ash borer is native to Asia and Eastern Russia but is now established in North America. This beetle is a pest that causes significant damamge to ash trees, which are an important source of commercial timber. Width of image is 8.5 mm.