Hylastes cunicularius
Bark beetle Hylastes cunicularius
The adult is 3.5–4.4 mm long. Females oviposit on spruce stumps or older felled trees during May. The egg gallery system is plain, prolonged with a bend at the end, up to 10 cm long and 1.7–2 mm wide. The larval galleries are relatively sparse. Larval feeding causes no damage an, is actually beneficial for stump decomposition. On the other hand, the adult feeding of young beetles has devastating effects on roots and butts of young spruce trees. The feeding galleries are canal-shaped, with sharp edges. The root damage may also be intensive.
The egg gallery system is plain, prolonged with a bend at the end, up to 10 cm long and 1.7–2 mm wide. The larval galleries are relatively sparse.
Tree Species: Spruce
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk
Pest significance: Very harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: No
Present in EU: Yes
Pest group: Insect
Depth of damages: Bark, Under bark only, Up to 0,5 cm depth
The extent of damage: Lokally
Prevalence in Europe: Common
Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood)
Roundwood size: Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm
Wood discoloration: Yes
Exit holes: Round
Pest subcategory: Bark and underbark insect
Similar pests

Tomicus minor

Hylesinus varius (=fraxini)



















