bark beetle

American  

noun

1. any of numerous small, cylindrical beetles of the family Scolytidae that nest under the bark of hardwood trees, leaving intricate tracings on the wood.

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bark beetle British  

noun

1. any small beetle of the family Scolytidae , which bore tunnels in the bark and wood of trees, causing great damage. They are closely related to the weevils

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Etymology

Origin of bark beetle

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Fungi without these genes were much less successful at infecting bark beetles, showing that the detoxification process is critical for overcoming the beetles' chemical defenses.

From Science Daily

The spruce bark beetle, or Ips typographus, has been munching its way through the conifer trees of Europe for decades, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

From BBC

But Dutch elm disease, an invasive fungus spread by bark beetles to which the native trees had no defense, has decimated the elm by tens of millions across the continent.

From Salon

The state’s forests in recent years have also suffered from extreme drought conditions, bark beetle infestations and other stressors that have contributed to increasing tree death.

From Los Angeles Times

Ever the stewards, just as they’d discussed with Frank on day one, the Martinezes have had three arborists treat the maples for bark beetles and bacteria in the soil.

From Los Angeles Times