The Black Turpentine Beetle is the largest of the major pine bark beetles, about inch long. It is reddish-brown to black. The head is visible when viewed from above. Most species of pines found in South Carolina are subject to attack by the pine bark beetles. Trees under stress are much more susceptible.
Some preference is shown for loblolly, shortleaf and Virginia pines.
Ultimately, the tree is girdled and the flow of nutrients and moisture is cut off. The adults bore into the bark and cut egg galleries, but in itself this injury is secondary. Activity by adults can introduce fungal diseases, also. Decline is indicated by fading of the needle color from a rich green to yellow, red and brown. All of the bark beetles have similar life histories.