Insects and Spiders on May 27, 2025

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Many of the pine trees have died within the last two years and there is a combination of pine beetle (Dendroctonus penderosae) and turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens) present at this site. For the past two years I have observed the beetles progressing through the trees at this site and each time I return to the property additional trees show symptoms or have died. There is sooty bark disease present at this site as well which may be contributing to the rapid decline and infestation.

Commentary

These look to be an offsite pine species (Scots pine?) and it is not surprising that we would see attack from our native bark beetles that are opportunistically taking advantage of tree stress. The only exotic (although not invasive) species to report here are the trees.

Christine Buhl
May 28, 2025, 3:02 a.m.