Dendroctonus brevicomis, the western pine beetle, is a
species of crenulate
bark beetle in the
familyCurculionidae. It is found in
North America[1][2][3] and parts of Mexico.[4] It is known as a destructive pest of
ponderosa and
Coulter pine trees.[5] When
drought makes these pines more susceptible to infestations by D. brevicomis, there is an increased risk of forest fires due to dead trees.[6]
Adult D. brevicomis are brown or black beetles 3–5 mm in length. Females carve lengthy egg galleries in the wood, damaging the trees.[5]