Mountain Pine Beetle
Dendroctonus ponderosae
This record describes Dendroctonus ponderosae (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A significant forestry pest throughout much of its range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Hylurgini
- Genus
- Dendroctonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pinus forests
Geographic Range
AB,BC to n. MX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Infests a broad range of Pinus spp. including P. ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine), P. contorta (Lodgepole Pine), P. albicaulis (Whitebark Pine) and P. monticola (Western White Pine).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus ponderosae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mountain Pine Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Pine Beetle
What is Mountain Pine Beetle?
Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mountain Pine Beetle?
4-7.5 mm
Where is Mountain Pine Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pinus forests |
| Range | AB,BC to n. MX |
What does Mountain Pine Beetle eat?
The diet of the Mountain Pine Beetle includes Infests a broad range of Pinus spp. including P. ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine), P. contorta (Lodgepole Pine), P. albicaulis (Whitebark Pine) and P. monticola (Western White Pine)..