Hosts:

The European spruce bark beetle, a primary target species in most U.S. surveys, is one of the more aggressive species of Ips, and is principally associated with the Norway spruce and other members of the same genus, but also infests Abies, Pinus, and more rarely Larix.

 

Commodities Affected:
Forestry and Natural Areas, Nursery, Ornamentals, and Turf

 

Threat:

The European spruce bark, or engraver, beetle is considered to be one of the most destructive pests of spruce on the continent of Europe. Extensive injury to forests resulting from wars, fires and storms, has at numerous times made possible the buildup of high populations of the pest which caused excessive secondary damage. In addition to damaged trees, this species also attacks healthy trees. The ability to breed in very fresh bark, coupled with the habit of continuing to feed in the bark on completion of development, makes the insect a serious pest of spruce forests. This bark beetle is capable of carrying at least 5 fungi harmful to trees, including the primary invader, Ophiostoma polonicum, a blue-stain fungus.

 

Distribution:

The European spruce bark beetle is not known to occur in Indiana.