Ophiostomatoid-fungi
Guides
Hylurgops palliatus
Hylurgops palliatus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae that colonizes coniferous trees, primarily spruce (Picea) and pine (Pinus) species. It is a secondary bark beetle, meaning it attacks weakened, dying, or recently dead trees rather than healthy ones. The species uses host-specific monoterpene chemical cues to locate and select appropriate host trees. It vectors various fungi, including ophiostomatoid species, which play roles in its ecology and tree colonization.
Ips calligraphus
six-spined engraver beetle, six-spined ips, coarsewriting engraver
Ips calligraphus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the six-spined engraver beetle. It is distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it primarily colonizes Pinus species. The species is notable for its six-spined declivity (posterior slope) used in identification, its complex gallery system with radiating egg galleries from a central nuptial chamber, and its potential to cause tree mortality during outbreaks. It has been recorded from over 20 U.S. states and several Caribbean islands including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Ips perturbatus
Northern Spruce Engraver
Ips perturbatus, the northern spruce engraver, is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that colonizes spruce trees (Picea spp.) across northern North America. It is primarily associated with white spruce (Picea glauca) and typically breeds on trees already killed or weakened by other agents, though it can attack stressed living trees. The species has one generation per year in most of its range, with adults overwintering in the ground. Males initiate galleries and attract 1–4 females to form harems; females construct egg tunnels averaging 10 cm in length and lay approximately 49 eggs each. The species is notable for its associations with ophiostomatoid fungi, particularly Leptographium fruticetum, which may play a role in its ecology.
Orthotomicus
Orthotomicus is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae, containing approximately nine described species. The genus is primarily associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines (Pinus spp.) and cedars (Cedrus spp.). Several species, notably Orthotomicus erosus (Mediterranean pine engraver) and O. laricis, have become significant forest pests through native population outbreaks and invasive range expansions. Species in this genus are known for their associations with ophiostomatoid fungi, which they vector and which contribute to tree decline.
Orthotomicus erosus
Mediterranean pine engraver
Orthotomicus erosus, the Mediterranean pine engraver, is a bark beetle native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is primarily a secondary pest that colonizes stressed, weakened, or recently dead pine trees, but can reach outbreak levels and attack healthy trees during drought conditions or following fire. The species has expanded its range through domestic and international trade, with established populations in South America (Argentina and Uruguay) and South Africa. It vectors multiple ophiostomatoid fungi, including Ophiostoma ips, which contribute to blue staining and tree decline.