Enhancing survey techniques for the non-native goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis, in California

The goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus coxalis, (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is non-native to California and has recently been linked with oak mortality occurring in southern California since 2002. GSOB injures and kills coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), California black oak (Q. kelloggii), and canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis), across all land ownerships. Oak mortality is impacting landscape aesthetics, property values, increasing health hazards around dwellings, and changing the fuel structure in areas prone to wildfire. To improve survey and detection of GSOB in California, we are: 1) Determining the adult flight period with purple and lime green prism flight-intercept sticky panel traps; 2) Determining the most effective height (1.5, 3, and 4.6 m) for purple and lime green prism traps; and 3) assessing volatiles [(Z)-3-hexenol, Manuca oil, and Phoebe oil] as lures for enhancing adult trap catch.