The Southern Pine Beetle

The Southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is the most destructive insect pest of pine forests in the southeastern United States and in parts of Mexico and Central America (Fig. 1). This is a well-worn statement but is nonetheless richly deserved and quite accurate. The beetle epitomizes the definition of its genus, killer of trees. As such, D. frontalis can overcome even vigorous trees when its populations are large. In the United States, the southern pine beetle primarily colonizes loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. enchinata) pines, both of which are important sources of pulp and timber. These pines are fast-growing species, inhabiting some of the finest timber-growing land on the continent. In addition, most watersheds in the southern pine forest are dominated by these species, and in many recreational areas high-valued old growth pine prevail.