white pine weevil

The white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi) is a small, elongated, brownish insect belonging to the weevil family Curculionidae. This beetle is characterized by its elongated beak or snout.12

In North America, the white pine weevil is known for damaging white pine trees by killing their central growth shoot. This forces a side shoot to take over the upward growth, resulting in a bent tree trunk that is less valuable for lumber. The weevil also feeds on and destroys the new shoots of Norway spruce and can affect other pines and spruces. While many forest insects are beneficial or kept in check by natural enemies, destructive pests like the white pine weevil can cause significant damage.213