Bark Beetles and Associated Issues

Bark and ambrosia beetles (family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae) are a diverse group of wood-boring beetles found in every forest type across the world. The United States and Canada are home to approximately 600 species of bark and ambrosia beetles, some of which are found in Wisconsin forests. Geographic ranges vary according to each beetle species and its preferred host tree(s). Most bark beetles tend to attack trees stressed by drought, flooding, storm damage or other factors. Bark beetles chew tunnels beneath the bark that damages a tree's water- and nutrient-conducting tissues and can lead to mortality. The resulting damage can be enhanced by fungi, mites and nematodes that are associated with the beetles.

Related links

• Hickory Dieback and Mortality Fact Sheet [PDF]
• Peach Bark Beetle and Cherry Scallop Shell Moth Fact Sheet [PDF] 
• Conifer Bark Beetles Fact Sheet
• Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut Fact Sheet [PDF exit DNR]
  • Concerns about Thousand Cankers Disease in the Eastern U.S. have been greatly reduced in recent years because research has found that the walnut dieback and mortality was caused by walnut twig beetle infesting drought stressed trees.