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Diagnosis Case: Oak
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If beetles are found at cracks or wounds in the bark it could be a sign that Oak Wilt is not far away. The fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum, creates large areas of mycelium under the bark that invite beetles of the Nitidulidae family to feed on the bark. This fungus, which is in the same genus as Dutch Elm Disease (Ceratocystis ulmi) distributes itself similarly. The nitidulid beetles carry the fungus on them and then transport the disease to other healthy trees. Therefore, healthy trees that have been wounded or have open cracks are targets for beetles to spread Oak Wilt. |
| Nitidulid Beetle (Photo Courtesy of USDA Forest Service) |
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