elm bark beetle

[ elm bahrk beet-l ]

noun

1. Also called smaller European elm bark beetle. a shiny, dark reddish-brown bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus, originating in Europe and now widespread in the U.S.: the primary vector of Dutch elm disease.
2. Also called native elm bark beetle. a bark beetle, Hylurgopinus opaculus, of eastern North America, that also transmits Dutch elm disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elm bark beetle¹

First recorded in 1905–10