smaller European elm bark beetle

The smaller European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) is an insect that plays a significant role in the spread of Dutch elm disease. This disease is caused by Ophiostoma fungi and has devastated elm populations in Europe and North America.1

The beetle excavates egg-laying galleries between the bark and wood of dead or weakened elm trees. When young beetles emerge, they carry fungal spores, which can infect healthy elms when the beetles feed on them. The disease can also spread through natural root grafts. Symptoms include wilting and discoloration of leaves, and infected trees can die within months or years. Control measures focus on preventing beetle spread, such as burning infected wood and using insecticides.1