Hickory Bark Beetle
Circa 2020-2024, populations of the Hickory Bark Beetle (Scolytus quadrispinosis) increased, leading to widespread mortality among mature hickory trees (Carya spp.) across the County and private woodlands. Hickory represent a small portion of the tree species present across the County, but they play an important role in forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife support.
Hickory Bark Beetles (Scolytus quadrispinosus) are small beetles that bore into Hickory (Carya spp.) trees to lay eggs that tunnel under the bark and damage the tree. The holes they create in the tree allows disease and fungus to enter the tree, greatly increasing the risks of mortality.
The hickory bark beetle. Photo by University of Minnesota Extension.
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