Do bark beetles bore through bark to start their tunnels?

Bark beetles do not bore through the bark to start their tunnels; rather, they enter the tree through existing openings or use specialized mouthparts to penetrate the tree's outer layers. The primary objective of the bark beetle is to reach the phloem layer, where they feed and lay their eggs. The feeding activity and tunneling disrupt the tree's vascular system, which can lead to the tree's decline or death.

Bark beetles are known for their ability to create intricate tunnel systems beneath the bark, but they do not initiate these tunnels by boring into the bark directly. Instead, they may utilize the natural weaknesses or wounds in the bark to gain access. This characteristic is crucial for understanding their behavior and the impact they have on forest ecosystems, as well as the management practices that may be needed to control their populations effectively.