Mountain pine beetle

Overview

The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a small bark beetle native to the forests of western North America. Adults lay eggs beneath the bark and introduce a blue stain fungus to prevent the tree from defending itself with pitch flow. An infestation of beetles will overwhelm a tree, eventually girdling and killing it. Forests badly affected by mountain pine beetle can be spotted overhead by large groupings of dead, rust-colored trees.

Research Connection

Though the mountain pine beetle has not yet reached Minnesota, its severity poses a major threat to the state’s rich pine forests. MITPPC researchers are currently assessing the risk of mountain pine beetle invasion and determining overall susceptibility of local pines.

Read More

Meet the species: Mountain pine beetle | Forest Invasives Canada

Mountain pine beetle | National Park Service

Mountain pine beetle | Colorado State Forest Service

Fact sheet | Colorado State University Extension