Dendroctonus pseudotsugae

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Dendroctonus pseudotsugae
1942. Douglas-fir beetle. Coleoptera. Scolytidae. Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk. (34505280220).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Curculionidae
Genus: Dendroctonus
Species:
D. pseudotsugae
Binomial name
Dendroctonus pseudotsugae
Hopkins, 1905

Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, the Douglas-fir beetle, is a species of bark beetle found in western North America. Three subspecies exist that correspond to the subspecies of Douglas fir. The beetles also infest downed Larch trees. [1] Outbreaks often occur in conjunction with drought, root rot diseases, overcrowding, damage by insects that damage foliage, and environmental disturbance. This insect is part of the western forest ecosystem, playing a role in thinning weak trees in a stand. [2]

Adult Douglas-fir beetles are light brown when young and become dark brown or black with reddish wing covers. They are somewhat hairy and range in size from 4.4 to 7 mm. The larvae are small, legless, the size of grains of rice, and white. Pupae are white to cream colored. Visible evidence of infestation includes patches of orange to reddish-brown boring dust in the bark or at the base of the tree. Resin streamers from attacks higher in the tree may also be present. Inside the bark, 6 to 30 inch egg galleries run parallel with the grain. Eggs are laid on either side of the gallery and when they hatch, the larvae mine perpendicular to the galleries. [1] [2]

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Dendroctonus adjunctus, the roundheaded pine beetle, is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae found in North America. A parasite, the roundheaded pine beetle feeds on and eventually kills pine trees of several species in Guatemala, Mexico, and the Southern United States.

References

  1. 1 2 Furniss, Malcolm; Kegley, Sandra. "Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet 5" (PDF). USDA Forest Service. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (R6), Portland, Oregon. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  2. 1 2 Dekker-Robertson, Donna; Griessmann, Peter; Baumgartner, Dave; Hanley, Don. Douglas-fir Beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae). Washington State University and US Department of Agriculture. pp. 11–12.