Western Pine Beetle vs Spring Dor Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Pine Beetle Spring Dor Beetle
Scientific Name Dendroctonus brevicomis Geotrupes vernalis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Scarabaeidae
Size 3-5 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Western United States from British Columbia to Mexico Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Pine Beetle

A small dark brown bark beetle that attacks ponderosa pine trees. It is one of the most destructive bark beetles in western forests.

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Did You Know?

It uses aggregation pheromones to coordinate mass attacks that can overwhelm a healthy tree's resin defenses.

Spring Dor Beetle

A medium-sized, metallic blue-green to violet dung beetle active in spring. Unlike other dor beetles, the metallic coloration is visible dorsally. It digs deep burrows provisioned with dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, this beetle is actually most active in autumn in many parts of its range.