Bark Beetle

Found primarily within, on, or under the bark of dying or dead trees, as well as stumps and logging slash.

They feed on the inner bark (phloem) and cambium of trees; some species also consume fungi they cultivate in tunnels.

Bark beetles bore into trees to create 'galleries' for mating and egg-laying. They often use pheromones to coordinate mass attacks on healthy or weakened trees.

Risks include significant damage to forestry and timber industries; they can kill large swaths of forest during outbreaks. Benefits include aiding in the decomposition of dead wood and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.