Which symptom or sign is NOT associated with the emerald ash borer?

The symptom or sign that is not associated with the emerald ash borer is the identification of the metallic green adults as being longer than the width of a penny. While emerald ash borer adults are indeed metallic green and can be found in a similar color range, they are typically not longer than a penny; they usually measure about half an inch in length, which is approximately the size of a nickel. This specific measurement helps distinguish them from other beetles that may have a similar coloration.

In contrast, the presence of larval galleries exhibiting a serpentine S-shape pattern is a definitive characteristic of emerald ash borer infestation. As the larvae feed beneath the bark, they create these distinctive galleries that can be an indicator of their presence. Additionally, creamy-white larvae with 10 bell-shaped abdominal segments are clearly attributed to this pest, as this is a recognized feature of the emerald ash borer larvae which helps in identifying them during inspections or studies. D-shaped emergence holes are another tell-tale sign, marking where adult beetles have exited the tree, further confirming the species' activity in hardwoods.

Thus, the critical reasoning around the other symptoms highlights the specific traits that are integral to recognizing the emerald ash borer, while the size description of the