Ronald F. Billings, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Bark Beetle
Dendroctonus sp., Erichson, 1836 (bark beetle shown in image about to take flight) The adults of these bark beetles lay their eggs in the tree. When the larvae hatch they bore through the wood of the tree and feed on the important conductive tissues. Bark beetles are attracted to unhealthy trees and shrubs. Trees in decline are known to produce certain volatile chemicals (odors) that attract bark beetles and others borers to them. Bark beetles are generally unable to survive in healthy trees. Obviously, the best means of managing borers is to prevent the tree from becoming stressed. When borers do attack, there are a number of options to minimize the damage.
