Dendroctonus brevicomis

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dendroctonus brevicomis: /dɛnˈdrɒktənəs brɛˈvɪkəmɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Lifestages western pine beetle 1934 Dendroctonus brevicomis by de Young. Used under a Public domain license.
C1926Dendroctonus brevicomis by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.
C.1927. Dendroctonus valens; Magdalis lecontei; Dendroctonus brevicomis; and Vespamima sequoiae. (38221533801) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.
1935. Treating ponderosa pine infested with Dendroctonus brevicomis. Jawbone Ranger Station project, Stanislaus National Forest, California. (32785053654) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.
1930. Salvage logging ponderosa pine. Dendroctonus brevicomis control. Klamath Falls, Oregon. (32912356823) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.
1932. Cages on ponderosa pine Dendroctonus brevicomis Lec. brood trees. B-3 Ochoco experimental area. Prineville, Oregon. (26445144279) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Dendroctonus brevicomis, the western pine beetle, is a significant pest of pine trees in North America, known for its role in tree mortality and its influence on forest fire dynamics.

Physical Characteristics

Adult D. brevicomis are brown or black beetles measuring 3–5 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Females carve lengthy egg galleries in the wood which is a sign of infestation.

Habitat

Dendroctonus brevicomis is typically found in forests dominated by ponderosa and Coulter pine trees.

Distribution

North America and parts of Mexico.

Diet

Feeds on the bark of pine trees, primarily ponderosa and Coulter pines.

Life Cycle

Females settle on the bark and attract males through pheromones for mating; they then lay eggs in galleries carved in the wood.

Reproduction

The female can control the sex ratio of the offspring by varying the proportions of pheromones she releases.

Ecosystem Role

As a bark beetle, it plays a role in the decomposition of dead trees and can trigger forest fires when tree mortality is high.

Economic Impact

D. brevicomis is known as a destructive pest that can lead to the death of significant numbers of pine trees, particularly during drought conditions.

Misconceptions

Some may believe all bark beetles are harmful, but they can play important ecological roles.

Tags

  • Dendroctonus brevicomis
  • western pine beetle
  • Curculionidae
  • bark beetle
  • pine pest