bark beetle

noun

1. any of numerous small, cylindrical beetles of the family Scolytidae that nest under the bark of hardwood trees, leaving intricate tracings on the wood.

bark beetle

noun

1. any small beetle of the family Scolytidae , which bore tunnels in the bark and wood of trees, causing great damage. They are closely related to the weevils

Word History and Origins

Origin of bark beetle¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Desiccated by thirst, they were whittled out by bark beetles.

From MIT Technology Review

The secretary has also made investigation by correspondence on the hickory bark beetle and the identity of Juglans mandshurica.

From Project Gutenberg

An' when that dead tree is full of bark-beetle, an' there ain't none in the forest, that sure looks suspicious.

From Project Gutenberg

He can stretch his tongue out ten times my length, cried the bark-beetle, flourishing his arm.

From Project Gutenberg

This tree, however, has passed away with hundreds of others, either by the hickory bark beetle or the axe.

From Project Gutenberg

The hickory bark beetle, the Douglas fir beetle and the larch worm have been very destructive.

From Project Gutenberg