Characterizing adult emergence phenology of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) across a latitudinal gradient

Emerald ash borer, EAB, is an invasive species that threatens to functionally extirpate ash from North America with devastating economic and ecological impacts. Accurate prediction of adult emergence is required to inform regulatory and management practices. In 2011, we characterized EAB adult emergence phenology at five sites on a north- gradient comprising 4.5° of latitude (500 km). Adult emergence was quantified weekly throughout from early May through late August.  Emergence data was combined with temperature data to generate a phenological model to predict adult emergence. EAB emergence started first in Cincinnati, OH and last in Midland, MI. Adult emergence period was longer in Cincinnati, OH (12 weeks) than in Midland, MI (7 weeks). These results document that effect of latitude and weather on EAB adult phenology, and will improve models used to predict EAB emergence and time management practices.