72 



FOREST ENTOMOLOGY. 



Hylobius abietis, Fabr. (Pine Weevil).^ 



This is considered one of the worst insect enemies the forester has 

 to deal with ; in fact, it may be said to be the most dreaded beetle. 



From an entomological point of view, it is very closely allied to the 

 genus Pissodes, and it may therefore be well to state that the chief 

 generic difference is that in Hylobius the antennae are inserted on 

 the rostrum near -its apex, while in Pissodes the antennae are inserted 



■r^ V 



Fig. 72.— Young sprvce })ktnts gnawed by Hylobins abietis 

 a, parts gnawed ; b, jiarts still covered with bark. 



about the middle of the rostrum. It is well to remember this 

 important distinction, inasmuch as many specimens of Hylobius abietis 

 are very small in size, and may therefore, to the non-entomologist, be 

 confounded with specimens of Pissodes pini, more especially when 

 found in fresh sawdust, and apart from the respective injuries with 

 which they are associated. 



The pine weevil is injurious in the perfect state alone, chiefly to 

 young coniferous trees from four to seven years old. Older coniferous 



^ As there i.s only one species in the genus, generic characters need not be 

 given. 



