Pine Engraver
Ips pini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Curculionidae
- Subfamily: Scolytinae
- Tribe: Ipini
- Genus: Ips
- Species: pini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ips pini: /ˈɪps ˈpiː.naɪ/
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Images
Summary
Ips pini, also known as the pine engraver beetle, is a bark beetle native to North America that infests and damages pine trees, especially stressed or dying ones. They are characterized by their small size, dark coloration, and curved elytra adorned with spines, impacting forest ecosystems and economies.
Physical Characteristics
Adult Ips pini beetles are relatively small, ranging from three to five millimeters in length, with some individuals growing up to six millimeters. They exhibit predominantly dark coloration with varying shades of brown and black. A notable feature is their concave elytral declivity, equipped with spines at the terminal end.
Identification Tips
Look for small beetles (3-6 mm) with dark coloration and a concave elytral declivity with spines. Check for the presence of boring dust and emergence holes on infested trees.
Habitat
Primarily found in coniferous forests across North America, particularly in association with weakened, stressed, or recently dead Pinus and Picea species.
Distribution
Ips pini is distributed across North America, from the northern reaches of Canada and Alaska down to the northern territories of Mexico.
Diet
Larvae feed on the inner bark of host trees, while adults may also feed on the bark.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Ips pini consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, typically lasting around 8 weeks. Environmental conditions allow for 2 to 4 generations per year.
Reproduction
Ips pini are polygynous. Females create ovipositional chambers to lay eggs in the gallery, which is an intricate tunnel system beneath the bark.
Ecosystem Role
They act as decomposers and can significantly impact forest health through their feeding behavior and by vectoring blue stain fungi into their host trees.
Economic Impact
Ips pini beetles are considered serious pests to pine trees, especially in forest management and timber production contexts.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping with pheromones
- Manual collection from infested trees
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Freeze drying
Evolution
Ips pini exhibits phenotypic plasticity in relation to geographical latitude and elevation, which influences traits like cold tolerance and voltinism.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that these beetles only infest healthy trees, but they predominantly target weakened or stressed trees.
Tags
- Ips pini
- Pine Engraver Beetle
- Bark Beetle
- Forest Pests
- Entomology