Ponderosa Pine Borer

Natural Habitat

Coniferous forests, primarily found in or around dead or dying pine, spruce, and balsam trees.

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat pollen and nectar; larvae feed on the inner bark and phloem of softwood trees.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal beetles that are active in the spring; larvae create distinctive oval 'nests' or galleries of shredded wood under the bark.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial to the ecosystem by breaking down dead wood; not dangerous to humans and rarely impacts healthy living trees.

Identified on: 5/31/2026