Which common pest is known to affect forest health?

Bark beetles are a significant pest that impacts forest health due to their behavior and reproduction cycles. These insects tunnel beneath the bark of trees, where they lay eggs. As the larvae develop, they feed on the inner bark and vascular tissue, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. This feeding activity can lead to tree mortality, especially in stressed forests where trees are already weakened by drought or other factors.

Bark beetles can also facilitate the spread of diseases, further compromising tree health and increasing vulnerability to other pests or environmental stresses. Control of bark beetle populations is crucial in forest management to prevent large-scale die-offs and maintain biodiversity and ecosystem stability. In comparison, while caterpillars, termites, and grasshoppers can also have detrimental effects on vegetation, their impact does not typically reach the level of widespread forest health issues like those caused by bark beetles.