Ambrosia beetle

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P. abietes

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P. compositus

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P. flavicornis

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P. parallelus

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P. pini

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P. quadridentatus

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P. wilsoni

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Ambrosia beetles are wood-boring beetles in the genus Platypus. They attack weakened or recently cut trees, feeding on a fungus which they bring to the tree. They attack both pine species and hardwoods, but do not attack either healthy trees or seasoned lumber.

Related Topics:
Beetle - Pine - Hardwood

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The beetle derives its name from its curious cultivation of a succulent fungus, called ambrosia. Ambrosia beetles bore deep though minute galleries into trees and timber, and the wood-dust provides a bed for the growth of the fungus, on which the insects and larvae feed.

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