Conifer-specialists

Guides

  • Ipini

    Engraver Beetles and Allies

    Ipini is a monophyletic tribe of bark beetles (Scolytinae) commonly known as engraver beetles. Members are specialized conifer feeders, primarily associated with Pinaceae hosts including *Pinus* and *Picea*. The tribe includes economically significant forest pests such as *Ips typographus* (European spruce bark beetle) and *Ips sexdentatus* (six-spined engraver beetle). Species develop within wood tissues, creating egg galleries that can kill host trees during outbreaks.

  • Matsucoccidae

    pine bast scales, pine needle scales

    Matsucoccidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising over 40 described species in at least 2 genera. The family was historically classified within Margarodidae but was elevated to family status based on distinct morphological and biological characteristics. Members are specialized feeders on conifers in the genus Pinus, with several species serving as economically significant forest pests. The family exhibits complex life cycles involving winged males and sessile females, and produces sex pheromones that function as kairomones attracting diverse predatory insects.