Text Size 
Red Turpentine Beetle
Host: Ponderosa and lodgepole pines.
 |
| Red turpentine beetle pitch tubes |
| K. Gibson |
Distribution: Throughout range of hosts.
Identification: Reddish-orange masses of pitch (resin mixed with wood particles) on lower 8 feet of main bole; excavated gallery apparent under bark layer.
Damage: Healthy trees are rarely killed. Activity is limited to individual trees or localized outbreaks.
Ecology: Generally infests slash, fresh logs and stumps, injured or fire-scorched trees.
Life cycle: Adult beetles emerge from trees and fly in the spring, although weather and location may affect exact timing. Adults attack trees by boring under the bark and excavating an elongate gallery, laying eggs along the margins. Eggs hatch into larvae that feed gregariously, forming a fan-shaped chamber. They commonly overwinter as pupae.
 |
| Red turpentine beetle galleries |
| L. Livingston |
Management
Prevention: Red turpentine beetle preferentially attacks trees that have been injured by fire, construction, mechanical damage, soil compaction, root disease, etc. Any activity that reduces these injuries to pine will minimize red turpentine beetle attacks. Infested trees can be removed from the site to eliminate additional damage by dispersing generations.
 |
| Adult red turpentine beetle |
| Forestry Images |
Links |
||||
| Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet (FIDL) | Field Guide - Identification | Management Guide | ||
Additional Common Forest Insects in Montana
| Douglas-fir Beetle | Red Turpentine Beetle |
| Douglas-fir Tussock Moth | Spruce Beetle |
| Fir Engraver | Western Pine Beetle |
| Mountain Pine Beetle | Western Spruce Budworm |
| Engraver Beetles (Ips species) |
|
