Dendroctonus brevicomis, the western pine beetle, is a species of crenulate bark beetle in the familyCurculionidae. It is found in North America[1][2][3] and parts of Mexico.[4] It is known as a destructive pest of ponderosa and Coulter pine trees.[5] When drought makes these pines more susceptible to infestations by D. brevicomis, there is an increased risk of forest fires due to dead trees.[6]
Adult D. brevicomis are brown or black beetles 3–5 mm in length. Females carve lengthy egg galleries in the wood, damaging the trees.[5]
Examples of D. brevicomis egg galleries in ponderosa pine
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