Jack pine branch tips killed by the jack pine tip beetle. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Jack pine tip beetle (Conopthorus banksianae) is a tiny bark beetle that bores into the twig tips of pines. Damage from jack pine tip beetle was observed this summer on jack pine in Vilas County. In some areas, each tree showed 2-10 dead branch tips in its crown.

A jack pine tip beetle larva (in lower circle) and adult (in higher circle) on a twig. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Jack pine tip beetles attack and kill the outer 4-6 inches of twigs, leaving the center of the twig filled with sawdust and frass.

The damage may appear significant because the dead needles remain on the dead part of the branch, and there can be many dead branch tips on a single tree. But it is rarely severe enough to be detrimental to the tree. No control is recommended.

A close-up photo of a jack pine tip beetle adult, next to a ruler at the top of the photo. Each vertical line indicates 1 millimeter. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR