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Orthotomicus laricis

Bark beetle Orthotomicus laricis

Description

Orthotomicus laricis produces two generations annually. Adults of the first generation begin to fly in May, while the second generation appears from late July to early August. It is a polygamous species. After mating, females construct short egg galleries and lay clusters of around 50 eggs on one or both sides of the gallery. Larvae initially feed communally, then in individual galleries that often cross each other. Pupation occurs in the bark. Adults of the second generation overwinter. The species mainly attacks weakened trees, and it can infest stored timber. It prefers 30–100-year-old stands with thick bark and is widely distributed across Europe and Asia.

Symptom

Branched larval galleries under the bark and small round exit holes (1–2 mm) on the bark surface.

Tree Species: Pine, Spruce, Larch

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 1 observations of the species in the system