A beetle that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country has spread into central Illinois.
The state's agriculture department says the emerald ash border has been confirmed in 14 new counties, including Sangamon, Logan and Menard.
That brings the total counties infested to 50.
The detection means a quarantine zone will be expanded in the state. Those in the quarantined area are prohibited from transporting ash trees, including for firewood.
The emerald ash borer is native to Asia. The tiny beetle has distinctive metallic green wings. It's larvae burrows into the bark of ash trees, causing them to eventually die.
In Sangamon, the insect was discovered in a tree near Douglas Park. In Logan County, the ash borer was found on North St. in Atlanta. In Menard, it was discovered at Deerpath Lane and Oakland Ave. in Petersburg. It was found previously in Macon County, which is already in the quarantine zone.
