The western pine beetle, a bark beetle species belong to the true weevils family. It can be found in North America and is a major pest to the Ponderosa pine tree.
Size: 3-5 mm (0.12 in)
Color: These beetles are dark brown.
Other Characteristic Features: They have a cylindrical body.
They are white, with brown heads, and lack legs.
Pupae are soft and white, resembling adults.
Eggs are laid in the form of a “serpentine” gallery.
| Lifespan | 1-2 months |
| Distribution | Rocky Mountain region; specifically, a narrow band in western Colorado |
| Habitat | Mountainous regions |
| Seasons active | Summer |
| Host plants | Ponderosa pine |
| Diet of adults | Middle and outer bark of host plant |
The pitch tubes on the bark of the trees, 1/4 the to 1/2 inches in length, are the first signs of the western pine beetle’s infestation. They attack trees of varied sizes, though their main target is weakened, already damaged, or stressed pines. However, during heavy outbreaks, the beetles would not spare healthy trees too. Constant attacks for years could hamper the trees’ growth, negatively impacting forests, also bringing down the timber supplies.
Image Source: bugguide.net, encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com, bugwoodcloud.org, fs.fed.us, bugwoodcloud.org
The western pine beetle, a bark beetle species belong to the true weevils family. It can be found in North America and is a major pest to the Ponderosa pine tree.
Size: 3-5 mm (0.12 in)
Color: These beetles are dark brown.
Other Characteristic Features: They have a cylindrical body.
They are white, with brown heads, and lack legs.
Pupae are soft and white, resembling adults.
Eggs are laid in the form of a “serpentine” gallery.
| Lifespan | 1-2 months |
| Distribution | Rocky Mountain region; specifically, a narrow band in western Colorado |
| Habitat | Mountainous regions |
| Seasons active | Summer |
| Host plants | Ponderosa pine |
| Diet of adults | Middle and outer bark of host plant |
The pitch tubes on the bark of the trees, 1/4 the to 1/2 inches in length, are the first signs of the western pine beetle’s infestation. They attack trees of varied sizes, though their main target is weakened, already damaged, or stressed pines. However, during heavy outbreaks, the beetles would not spare healthy trees too. Constant attacks for years could hamper the trees’ growth, negatively impacting forests, also bringing down the timber supplies.
Image Source: bugguide.net, encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com, bugwoodcloud.org, fs.fed.us, bugwoodcloud.org
