Tree Killers: Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle
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Name
- Common English name: Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle
- Other names:
- Latin (scientific) name: Tetropium fuscum
History in Canada
- introduced from Eurasia probably in solid wood packing or crating material
- first found in the Halifax area of Nova Scotia in 1998
- has spread slowly to the surrounding area
- not known elsewhere in North America
Biology
- adults are 10-15 mm long (1/2 in) with a dark head and thorax, and a brown abdomen
- larvae are whitish and 25 mm long (1 in) when mature
- the beetle has a one-year life cycle, overwintering as a mature larva
- in Eurasia, the beetle attacks Pine, Spruce, Fir, and Larch
- only Spruce (especially Red Spruce) has been attacked in North America
- larvae feed on inner bark, especially in the lower part of the trunk
- infected trees show excessive resin running down the trunk from many wounds
- leaves (needles) turn yellow then brown
Impact on Trees
- large or mature spruce are preferred over younger trees
- heavily-infested trees die over several years
What can be done to control this tree killer?
- movement of spruce wood products is carefully controlled in the Halifax area to contain the spread of the beetle
- plans are underway to destroy all spruce trees in the affected Halifax area
- there are some native parasites and predators that appear to attack the beetle
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