Photograph by the USDA Forest Service

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​This is the Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis).  They are very small in size, so its easier to look for the symptoms they cause in Pine Trees then for the bug itself.

Photograph by barkbeetles.org

SIGNS OF SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE INFESTATION​

Pitch tubes along the trunk of a Pine Tree due to Southern Pine Beetle infestation.​Photograph from Bugwood.org

Pitch Tubes:
When the SPB burrow into a Pine Tree, the tree releases resin to mitigate the damage. Pitch tubes form throughout the entire trunk of the tree. Pitch tubes can be few or numerous and be clear to white. This is the trees natural defense mechanism when infection occurs. The pitch excretion (pine sap) is an attempt for the tree to flush out invading insects, reduce disease and seal its injury.

Pitch tubes along the trunk of a Pine Tree due to Southern Pine Beetle infestation. Photograph by barkbeetles.org

Pitch tubes. Photograph by the NYS DEC

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Aerial photo of a Pine Tree stand showing area of trees dying from a Southern Pine Beetle infestation. Photograph from Bugwood.org

Canopy Fade:
Aerial or foot surveying is another good form of spotting potential SPB infestations. Pine tree needles begin to change to a red/brown color because their vascular systems are being disrupted and nutrients can’t reach throughout the tree. Noticing a significant change in pine tree needle color or increase amount of pine needle droppings in specific trees could help spot a potential SPB outbreak. Any tree that is turning red/brown in the Spring is abnormal and should be looked at closer.

Pine Tree mortality due to Southern Pine Beetle infestation. Photograph by the NYS DEC

Pine Tree stand mortality. Photograph by protecttnforests.gov

S-Shaped galleries in the cambium of a Pine Tree. Photograph taken in the Pine Barrens of Long Island by Olivia Calandra (NCSWCD)

Galleries:
If you are questioning if a tree has been infected by the SPB, another good approach is by removing some bark and examining the cambium (layer of tree right under the bark). When the SPB burrows into the tree it creates tunnels in the cambium in S-shapes. If you see this specific characteristic in a pine tree it is quite probable that the tree has been infected by the SPB or another wood-burrowing insect.

S-Shaped galleries in the cambium of a Pine Tree. Photograph by the NYS DEC

S-Shaped galleries. Photograph by the NYS DEC

Exit holes from the Southern Pine Beetle. Photograph by NYS DEC

​Exit holes (left): Seeing pin sized holes in Pine trees are another sign of SPB infestation. These pin sized holes can be observed along the entire length of the trunk. When SPB have matured, they vacate the Pine Tree to infest a different tree. They leave behind these holes as the burrow out.
Boring dust (right):  When the SPB enters of leaves a Pine Tree, they leave behind dust from boring through the outer bark of the tree. The dust can be found stuck in the pitch tubes, or at the base of the trunk .

Boring Dust from the Southern Pine Beetle. Photograph by NYS DEC

Southern Pine Beetle boring though pitch tubes. Photograph by the NYS DEC

Blue stain fungus spreading throughout the tree. Photograph by dnr.wi.gov

Blue-stain Fungus
The SPB is a known carrier of blue-stain fungus. Upon initial attack of a Pine Tree, the pathogenic fungus is introduced. It disrupts the flow of fluids and nutrients throughout the tree, causing the tree to suffer, canopy fading to occur, and tree mortality. Upon cutting the tree, you can actually see the fungus spreading. It has a blueish-color and infects the entire tree.

Blue stain fungus spreading throughout the tree. Photograph by tn.gov

​ WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If found in the Massapequa Preserve, call the NCSWCD: (516) 364-5860

IF FOUND ELSEWHERE?
report suspected infestations to NYS DEC Forest Health at: (866) 640-0652