Large Pine-shoot Beetle - Tomicus piniperda

Size 3.5 to 4.8 mm. Elongate and cylindrical with the head narrowly visible from above, entirely black or very dark brown with the elytra contrastingly dark reddish-brown.  Head evenly convex, finely punctured and pubescent.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Lives mainly on pines, especially Scots Pine and Black Pine (also known as Austrian Pine).

In the UK, it is univoltine with adults occurring virtually year-round; they overwinter at the base of trees or in hollows in twigs and branches and become active very early in the year, generally from February or March when they may disperse by flight to find suitable hosts.

A destructive shoot-feeding bark beetle.

Widespread, but quite local in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. 

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Sapcote record of 29th July 2022 was the first in VC55 for over one hundred years.