Pityokteines spinidens

Fir bark beetle Pityokteines spinidens

Fir bark beetle lives under the bark of crowns of thicker trees in the upper part of the trunk. The gallery system is similar to related species of its genus, however, the maternal galleries are arranged more irregularly and the typical capital block letter X or Y is not such clear. Similarly to its related species, it colonizes mainly dying off and withering fir trees. The larvae pupate in the phloem. At the places with the thinner bark, the larvae bore 3-4 mm deep into wood before pupating. The adult, pupae, but also the larvae of the second generation can overwinter.

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The gallery system is similar to related species of its genus, however, the maternal galleries are arranged more irregularly and the typical capital block letter X or Y is not such clear.

Tree Species: Douglas Fir, Fir

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: Whole trunk

Prevalence in Europe: Common

Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood)

Roundwood size: Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm