Pityokteines vorontzovi
European fir engraver beetle
The adult is 1.7-2.2 mm long beetle. Its life-cycle is similar to that of silver fir bark beetle. Similar is also its gallery system, in which the maternal galleries are just somewhat narrower. The feeding trace has a shape of the regular capital block letter X. European fir engraver beetle looks for the branches and the tops of older, withering fir trees. It attacks them along with other species of this genus and infested trees can die within few years.
The feeding trace has a shape of the regular capital block letter X.
Tree Species: Fir
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch
Pest significance: 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 from 10 up to 50 cm, Diameter up to 10 cm
Wood discoloration: Yes
Exit holes: Round
Pest subcategory: Bark and underbark insect
Similar pests
Pityogenes chalcographus
Pityogenes bidentatus
