Bugs Eating Pine Tree

Identification and Characteristics of Pine Tree Bugs

What are the physical measurements and life cycle of the Southern Pine Beetle?

The Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) is a significant pest of pine trees. Here are its key physical measurements and life cycle:

• Physical Measurements:
• Eggs: 1.5 x 1.0 mm, oval, shiny, opaque, and pearly white.
• Larvae: 2-7 mm long, wrinkled, legless, and yellowish-white with reddish-colored heads.
• Pupae: Same color and size as larvae.

• Adults: 2-4 mm long, short-legged, cylindrical, and brown to black.

• Life Cycle:

• Eggs hatch in 3-9 days, larvae feed on inner bark, pupate in 5-17 days, and adults emerge in 6-14 days.
• Multiple generations per year, with overlapping life stages.

What are the physical measurements and life cycle of the Western Pine Beetle?

The Western Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) is another pine tree pest. Its key characteristics are:

• Physical Measurements:

• Adults: 4-7 mm long, cylindrical, and reddish-brown.

• Life Cycle:

• Similar to the southern pine beetle, with multiple generations per year.

How do the Southern Pine Beetle and Western Pine Beetle behave?

• Southern Pine Beetle Behavior:
• Adults bore into bark to create galleries, releasing pheromones to attract more beetles.

• Larvae feed on phloem tissue, causing tree death.

• Western Pine Beetle Behavior:

• Adults also bore into bark, releasing pheromones to attract more beetles.

Signs of Southern Pine Beetle Infestation

What are the visual indicators of a Southern Pine Beetle infestation?

1. Pitch Tubes: Yellowish-white to brownish, 1/4-1/2 inch in diameter, on the bark surface.
2. S-Shaped Galleries: Underneath the bark, characteristic of southern pine beetle infestations.
3. Bark Exit Holes: Small, round holes where adult beetles emerge.
4. Foliage: Needles turn yellow and then red before dropping.

How can you identify the different stages of a Southern Pine Beetle infestation?

1. Freshly Infested: Green foliage, soft pitch tubes, and few bark exit holes.
2. Infested with Developing Brood: Foliage fades to yellow, pitch tubes harden, and more bark exit holes appear.
3. Vacated, Dead Tree: Red foliage, hard, yellow pitch tubes, and numerous bark exit holes.

What are the potential damages caused by Southern Pine Beetle infestations?

• Tree Mortality: Average annual tree mortality in the U.S. often exceeds 100 million board feet of sawtimber and 30 million cubic feet of pulpwood.
• Economic Losses: Estimated losses of over $1 billion in timber during outbreaks.

Aphid Presence on Pine Trees

What are the common aphid species found on pine trees?

The most common aphid species found on pine trees are the Pine Aphids (Cinara spp.).

How do aphid populations fluctuate on pine trees?

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Aphid populations typically peak in spring and summer.
• Host Plant Effects: Aphid populations can be influenced by the health and vigor of the host pine tree.

How do aphids impact the health of pine trees?

• Sap Sucking: Aphids feed on sap, weakening the tree and making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
• Honeydew Production: Aphids secrete honeydew, which can attract other insects and promote fungal growth.

Controlling Aphid Populations on Pine Trees

What are the recommended treatments for controlling aphids on pine trees?

1. Insecticidal Soap: Effective against aphids, with minimal environmental impact.
2. Neem Oil: A natural insecticide that can be used to control aphid populations.

When is the best time to apply insecticides or natural predators to control aphids?

• Early Spring: Apply insecticides or natural predators when aphid populations are low to prevent infestations.

What are the recommended quantities of insecticides or natural predators to use?

• Insecticidal Soap: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water and spray thoroughly.
• Neem Oil: Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and spray thoroughly.
• Natural Predators: Introduce natural predators like lady beetles or lacewings to control aphid populations.

References

1. Invasive Species Centre. (n.d.). Southern Pine Beetle. Retrieved from https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-insects/southern-pine-beetle/

2. Bartlett Tree Experts. (n.d.). Southern Pine Beetle. Retrieved from https://www.bartlett.com/resources/southern-pine-beetle.pdf

3. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. (n.d.). Southern Pine Bark Beetle. Retrieved from https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/southern-pine-bark-beetle/.