Ambrosia Beetles

From Bugwoodwiki

Leininger, T.D; Solomon, J.D.; Wilson, A. Dan; Schiff, N.M. 1999. A Guide to Major Insects, Diseases, Air Pollution Injury, and Chemical Injury of Sycamore. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-28. Asheville, NC: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 44 p.

Some ambrosia beetles attack healthy trees, but most prefer weakened, injured, or dying trees and fresh-cut logs (fig. 18). They bore into the sapwood and reduce tree and log values for wood products; some spread fungal pathogens. Larvae feed on a moldy fungus called ambrosia that adult females culture on the gallery walls. Small piles of boring dust or strings of compacted frass may be present on the bark. There are two or more generations per year. Adults can be trapped with pheromones. Logs should be processed promptly.

Figure 18. - Adult of P. compositus (inset) and strings of frass.