Of the approximately 1,200 known species in the family Scolytidae worldwide, most are recognized as not being economically important. Identification of destructive species are made on morphological characteristics of the beetles, tree host, type and location of feeding, and gallery pattern. Scolytids undergo complete metamorphosis. Larvae are small, somewhat grub-like in shape, legless, and white to cream colored. Head capsules are reddish brown to dark brown, and equipped with strong mandibles which enable them to excavate wood.
Pupae are white to cream colored but lack dark head capsules.
The numbers and arrangement of spines are used to identify species. Beetles possess powerful mandibles with which to bore through tree bark and wood. Given the great diversity in the family Scolytidae, there are wide variations in their life cycles and habits. The following scenario serves as a general description. A series of niches dot both sides of the main gallery, and a single egg is deposited in each niche.