Spruce Beetle Life History

Native to the spruce forest ecosystem in Colorado, the spruce beetle kills more spruce trees in the United States and Canada than any natural agent or occurrence. These pests will infest absolutely any species of spruce tree, and they most commonly occur in spruce forest above 9,000 ft.
Most populations of the beetles will live in the downed trees, unless there is an avalanche or high-wind event that forces them into the live trees. They do prefer the mature trees, and you need to seek help to remove the population of pests before all trees are destroyed.
Here’s a look at the life history of the spruce beetle to understand more and know if you have an infestation.

The Three Year Life Cycle of Spruce Beetles

This type of beetle will live between one and three years, with two years being the most common. You’ll know if you have adult beetles, because they have dark colored outings and red-brown/black covers over their wings.
The creatures live within the trees and bury their eggs into the sapwood. Throughout the winter, the larvae will live in the trees and the adults spring out between May and July. Feeding galleries are created for the larvae, which ultimately kill the spruce trees as nutrients are unable to flow.
Around 18 months after the female lays its eggs, the larvae become pupae, with a tan colour until they mature. It’s in the second year that the pupae turn into adults.
Most beetles will stay with the host tree for two years. This allows them to create a safe space from the winter temperatures and predators. After this, they will go off and find a new home.
It is possible for a tree to slowly decay. The leaves will turn yellow/green and then grey, rather than the usual red/orange colours. A tree service will not only be able to remove the spruce beetle population but help to protect trees from an infestation. Contact SprayTech, tree spraying experts, for protecting your trees against spruce beetles.