bark beetle

bark beetle

noun

Definition of BARK BEETLE

: any of numerous beetles (family Scolytidae) that bore under the bark of trees both as a larva and as an adult

First Known Use of BARK BEETLE

1862

bark beetle

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Bark beetle (Dendroctonus valens)—William E. Ferguson

Any member of the beetle family Scolytidae, many of which severely damage trees. Bark beetles are cylindrical, brown or black, and usually less than 0.25 in. (6 mm) long. A male and females (as many as 60 females with each male) bore into a tree and form a chamber where each female deposits her eggs. The emerging larvae bore away from the chamber, forming a characteristic series of tunnels. Different species attack particular trees, damaging roots, stems, seeds, or fruits. Some species transmit disease (e.g., elm bark beetles carry spores of the fungal Dutch elm disease).