Scolytidae (bark beetles)

The bark beetles (Scoly­tidae) are a speciose family with more than 5000 species in 220 genera worldwide. The center of distribution is in the tropical zones. In Germany 110 species are known to occur. The larvae develop in various woods. The bark beetles are highly relevant as forest pests. They can be divided in the groups, the first developing in galleries under the bark, and a second, developing in the wood itself. The larvae of first group feed on the bark or on the phloem between the bark and sap wood. The beetles of the latter group excavate tunnels in dead trees in which they cultivate fungal gardens, the sole source of nutrition for the larvae.