Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
APPENDIX E: EXISTING VEGETATION
REFERENCES AND CODES
February 2014
Existing Vegetation References
Code
SAF
SRM
Name
Forest Cover Types of the United States and
Canada.
Society for Range Management
Author
F.H. Eyre, Editor. Society of
American Foresters (1980)
Existing SAF Vegetation Codes
Ref.
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
SAF
Code
000
201
203
205
206
208
210
211
212
213
215
216
217
218
219
220
224
225
227
228
230
235
236
237
238
251
252
Description
Non Forest Types
White spruce
Balsam poplar
Mountain hemlock
Engelmann spruce - subalpine fir
Whitebark pine
Interior Douglas-fir
White fir- limber pine
Western larch
Grand fir
Western white pine
Blue spruce
Aspen - Western forests - Middle elevation – Interior
Lodgepole pine
Limber pine
Rocky Mountain juniper
Western hemlock
Western hemlock - Sitka spruce
Western redcedar - western hemlock
Western redcedar
Douglas-fir - western hemlock
Cottonwood - willow
Bur oak - Western forests - Low elevation – Interior
Interior ponderosa pine
Western juniper
White spruce - aspen
Paper birch
E-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Existing SRM Vegetation Codes
Ref.
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
Code
001
002
004
005
007
000
102
104
105
107
109
110
203
210
213
215
216
217
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
401
402
403
405
406
Description
Urban
Agriculture
Forest Land
Water
Barren Land
Non-vegetated
Idaho fescue
Antelope bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
SRM10 Antelope bitterbrush-Idaho fescue
Western juniper-big sagebrush- bluebunch wheatgrass
Ponderosa pine-shrubland
Ponderosa pine-grassland
Riparian woodland
Bitterbrush
Alpine grassland
Valley grassland
Montane meadows
Wetlands
Bluebunch wheatgrass-blue grama
Bluebunch wheatgrass-sandberg bluegrass
Bluebunch wheatgrass-western wheatgrass
Idaho fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass
Idaho fescue-Richardson needlegrass
Idaho fescue-slender wheatgrass
Idaho fescue-threadleaf sedge
Idaho fescue-tufted hairgrass
Idaho fescue-western wheatgrass
Needle-and-thread-blue grama
Rough fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass
Rough fescue-Idaho fescue
Tufted hairgrass- sedge
Big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
Big sagebrush-Idaho fescue
Big sagebrush-rough fescue
Bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
Bitterbrush-Idaho fescue
Bitterbrush rough fescue
Black sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
Black sagebrush-Idaho fescue
Curlleaf mountain-mahogany-bluebunch wheatgrass
Shrubby cinquefoil-rough fescue
Basin big sagebrush
Mountain big sagebrush
Wyoming big sagebrush
Black sagebrush
Low sagebrush
E-2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Existing SRM Vegetation Codes (cont.)
Ref.
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
Code
408
409
410
411
415
420
421
422
501
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
713
714
715
720
721
722
726
730
735
801
802
803
804
805
822
Description
Other sagebrush types
Tall forb
Alpine rangeland
Aspen woodland
Curlleaf mountain-mahogany
Snowbush
Chokecherry-serviceberry-rose
Riparian
Saltbush-greasewood
Bluestem prairie
Bluestem-prairie sandreed
Prairie sandreed-needlegrass
Bluestem-grama prairie
Sandsage prairie
Wheatgrass-bluestem-needlegrass
Wheatgrass-needlegrass
Wheatgrass-gama needlegrass
Wheatgrass-gama
Wheatgrass
Blue grama-buffalograss
Sagebrush-grass
Fesque grassland
Crested wheatgrass
Wheatgrass-saltgrass-grama
Blue grama-western wheatgrass
Blue grama-galleta
Blue grama-sideoats grama
Blue grama-sideoats grama-black grama
Bluestem-dropseed
Bluestem-grama
Bluestem prairie
Grama-muhly-threeawn
Grama-bluestem
Grama-buffalograss
Sand bluestem-little bluestem dunes
Sand bluestem-little bluestem plains
Sand sagebrush-mixed prairie
Cordgrass
Sand shinnery oak
Sideoats grama-sumac-juniper
Savanna
Missouri prairie
Missouri glades
Tall fesque
Riparian
Slough
E-3
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Existing SRM Vegetation Codes (cont.)
Ref.
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
SRM
Code
901
902
906
908
909
910
911
914
915
916
917
918
921
Description
Alder
Alpine herb
Broadleaf forest
Fesque
Freshwater marsh
Hairgrass
Lichen tundra
Mesic sedge-grass-herb meadow tundra
Mixed herb-herbaceous
Sedge-shrub tundra
Tall shrub swamp
Tussock tundra
Willow
E-4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix F: Potential Vegetation References
APPENDIX F: POTENTIAL VEGETATION
REFERENCES
Code
Name
Author
101
Forest Habitat Types of Montana; Gen.Tech.Rep. INT-34.
103
Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of Western
Montana; USDA/FS Gen.Tech.Rep. INT-66.
Native Woodland Habitat Types of Southwestern North
Dakota; USDA/FS Research Paper RM-281.
109
110
111
112
113
114
199
Forest Habitat Types of Northern Idaho: A Second
Approximation; USDA/FS Gen.Tech.Rep. INT-236.
Some combination of references 101 and 110.
Classification and Management of Montana's Riparian and
Wetland Sites. Misc. Pub. #54. Missoula, MT: Montana Riparian
Association.
Plant Community Classification for Alpine Vegetation on
the Beaverhead National Forest, Montana. INT-GTR-362.
1997. 61 p.
The Vegetation of the Grand River/Cedar River, Sioux, and
Ashland Districts of the Custer NF: A Habitat Type
Classification. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-157. Ft. Collins, CO: USDA FS
RMFR Ex St. 68 p.
FSH 2409.21h R-1 Timber Management Data Handbook. For
a description of the vegetative characteristics please refer to
Forest Habitat Types of Montana; Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-34.
F-1
R.D. Pfister, B.L. Kovalchik,
S.F. Arno, and R.C. Presby
(1977)
W.F. Mueggler and W.L.
Stewart (1980)
Michele M. Girard, Harold
Goetz, Ardell J. Bjugstad
(1989)
Stephen V. Cooper, Kenneth E.
Neiman, Robert Steele, and
David W. Roberts (1987)
Hansen, Paul L.; Boggs, Keith
L.; Cook, Bradley J.; and
others. 1995
Stephen V. Cooper, Peter
Lesica, and Deborah PageDumroese.
Hansen, Paul, L.; Hoffman,
George, R.
Pfister, Kovalchik, Arno &
Presby
(Ref code 101)
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
APPENDIX G: POTENTIAL VEGETATION CODES
Reference Code 101
PV Code
000
010
040
050
051
052
070
100
110
130
140
141
142
160
161
162
170
171
172
180
181
182
200
210
220
230
250
260
261
262
280
281
282
283
290
291
292
293
310
311
312
313
320
321
Common Name
limber pine series
scree
limber pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
limber pine/Idaho fescue
limber pine/Idaho fescue-Idaho fescue
limber pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
limber pine/common juniper
ponderosa pine series
ponderosa pine/bluestem
ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-creeping barberry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-russet buffaloberry
Douglas-fir series
Douglas-fir/bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/Idahoe fescue
Douglas-fir/Altai fescue
Douglas-fir/dwarf bilberry
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-common beargrass
Douglas-fir/twinflower
Douglas-fir/twinflower-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/twinflower-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/twinflower-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass
G-2
Scientific Name
PIFL2
scree
PIFL2/PSSPS
PIFL2/FEID
PIFL2/FEID-FEID
PIFL2/FEID-FEAL
PIFL2/JUCO6
PIPO
PIPO/ANDRO2
PIPO/PSSPS
PIPO/FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEAL
PIPO/PUTR2
PIPO/PUTR2-PSSPS
PIPO/PUTR2-FEID
PIPO/SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-MARE11
PIPO/PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-SHCA
PSME
PSME/PSSPS
PSME/FEID
PSME/FEAL
PSME/VACA13
PSME/PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5-CARU
PSME/VAME
PSME/VAME-VAME
PSME/VAME-ARUV
PSME/VAME-XETE
PSME/LIBO3
PSME/LIBO3-SYAL
PSME/LIBO3-CARU
PSME/LIBO3-VAME
PSME/SYAL
PSME/SYAL-PSSPS
PSME/SYAL-CARU
PSME/SYAL-SYAL
PSME/CARU
PSME/CARU-PSSPS
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 101 (cont.)
PV Code
322
323
324
330
340
350
360
365
370
380
400
410
420
421
422
430
440
450
460
461
462
470
480
500
501
502
510
520
521
522
523
530
531
532
533
550
570
571
572
590
591
592
600
610
620
621
622
623
624
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-ponderosa pine
Douglas-fir/Geyer’s sedge
Douglas-fir/white spirea
Douglas-fir/kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/common juniper
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood
Douglas-fir/heartleaf arnica
Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry
spruce series
spruce/field horsetail
spruce/bride’s bonnet
spruce/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
spruce/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
spruce/mallow ninebark
spruce/fragrant bedstraw
spruce/dwarf bilberry
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel-Douglas-fir
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel-spruce
spruce/twinflower
spruce/starry false lily of the valley
grand fir series
western red cedar series
western hemlock series
grand fir/common beargrass
grand fir/bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/devilsclub
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
grand fir/twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir series
subalpine fir/devilsclub
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
G-3
Scientific Name
PSME/CARU-ARUV
PSME/CARU-CARU
PSME/CARU-PIPO
PSME/CAGE2
PSME/SPBE2
PSME/ARUV
PSME/JUCO6
PSME/COCA13
PSME/ARCO9
PSME/SYOR2
PICEA
PICEA/EQAR
PICEA/CLUN2
PICEA/CLUN2VACA13
PICEA/CLUN2-CLUN2
PICEA/PHMA5
PICEA/GATR3
PICEA/VACA13
PICEA/PAST10
PICEA/PAST10-PSME
PICEA/PAST10-PICEA
PICEA/LIBO3
PICEA/MAST4
ABGR
THPL
TSHE
ABGR/XETE
ABGR/CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABGR/CLUN2-XETE
THPL/CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-ARNU2
THPL/CLUN2-MEFE
THPL/OPHO
TSHE/CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABGR/LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA
ABLA/OPHO
ABLA/CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABLA/CLUN2-VACA13
ABLA/CLUN2-XETE
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 101 (cont.)
PV Code
625
630
640
650
651
653
654
660
661
662
663
670
680
690
691
692
700
710
720
730
731
732
733
740
750
770
780
790
791
792
800
810
820
830
831
832
840
841
842
850
860
870
890
900
910
920
930
940
950
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/bluejoint-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir/twinflower-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/common beargrass
subalpine fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir (lower subalpine habitat types)
mountain hemlock/common beargrass
subalpine fir/thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-pinegrass
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-western meadow-rue
subalpine fir/Sitka alder
subalpine fir/pinegrass
subalpine fir/rock clematis
subalpine fir/heartleaf arnica
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Douglas-fir
subalpine fir (upper subalpine habitat types)
subalpine fir/gooseberry currant
subalpine fir-whitebark pine/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse
whortleberry
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
whitebark pine-subalpine fir
subalpine larch-subalpine fir
whitebark pine
subalpine fir (timberline habitat types)
lodgepole pine series
lodgepole pine/antelope bitterbrush
lodgepole pine/dwarf bilberry
lodgepole pine/twinflower
lodgepole pine/grouse whortleberry
lodgepole pine/pinegrass
G-4
Scientific Name
ABLA/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/GATR3
ABLA/VACA13
ABLA/CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-GATR3
ABLA/CACA4-VACA13
ABLA/LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA/LIBO3-VASC
ABLA/MEFE
TSME/MEFE
ABLA/XETE
ABLA/XETE-VAME
ABLA/XETE-VASC
ABLA
TSME/XETE
ABLA/VAME
ABLA/VASC
ABLA/VASC-CARU
ABLA/VASC-VASC
ABLA/VASC-THOC
ABLA/ALVIS
ABLA/CARU
ABLA/CLCOC2
ABLA/ARCO9
ABLA/CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-PSME
ABLA
ABLA/RIMO2
ABLA-PIAL/VASC
ABLA/LUGLH
ABLA/LUGLH-VASC
ABLA/LUGLH-MEFE
TSME/LUGLH
TSME/LUGLH-VASC
TSME/LUGLH-MEFE
PIAL-ABLA
LALY-ABLA
PIAL
ABLA
PICO
PICO/PUTR2
PICO/VACA13
PICO/LIBO3
PICO/VASC
PICO/CARU
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 102
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
150
151
152
183
190
205
235
240
241
242
ponderosa pine/kinnikinnick
ponderosa pine/Saskatoon serviceberry
ponderosa pine/sun sedge
ponderosa pine/common juniper
ponderosa pine/Rocky Mountain juniper
ponderosa pine/creeping barberry
ponderosa pine/creeping juniper
ponderosa pine/big sagebrush
ponderosa pine/western snowberry
Rocky Mountain juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass
Rocky Mountain juniper/littleseed ricegrass
ponderosa pine/chockecherry/Canadian white violet
ponderosa pine/mallow ninebark
Douglas-fir/Saskatoon serviceberry
Douglas-fir/plains muhly
Douglas-fir/creeping barberry
Douglas-fir/creeping barberry/kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/creeping barberry-creeping barberry
272
300
301
351
356
357
358
381
390
471
472
475
607
631
632
706
745
960
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood/twinflower
Douglas-fir/Canadian white violet
green ash/chockecherry
quaking aspen/creeping barberry
quaking aspen/common snowberry
quaking aspen/pinegrass
quaking aspen/western sweetroot
Douglas-fir/western snowberry
Douglas-fir/Rocky Mountain juniper
spruce/twinflower/common beargrass
spruce/twinflower-twinflower
spruce/common juniper
subalpine fir/common snowberry
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw/common snowberry
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/broadleaf arnica
subalpine fir/common juniper
lodgepole pine/common juniper
270
271
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood/whortleberry
G-5
Scientific Name
PIPO/ARUV
PIPO/AMAL2
PIPO/CAINH2
PIPO/JUCO6
PIPO/JUSC2
PIPO/MARE11
PIPO/JUHO2
PIPO/ARTR2
PIPO/SYOC
JUSC2/PSSPS
JUSC2/PIMI7
PIPO/PRVI-VICA4
PIPO/PHMA5
PSME/AMAL2
PSME/MUCU3
PSME/MARE11
PSME/MARE11/ARUV
PSME/MARE11MARE11
PSME/COCA13
PSME/COCA13VAMY2
PSME/COCA13/LIBO3
PSME/VICA4
FRPE/PRVI
POTR5/MARE11
POTR5/SYAL
POTR5/CARU
POTR5/OSOC
PSME/SYOC
PSME/JUSC2
PICEA/LIBO3/XETE
PICEA/LIBO3-LIBO3
PICEA/JUCO6
ABLA/SYAL
ABLA/GATR3/SYAL
ABLA/GATR3/VASC
ABLA/ARLA8
ABLA/JUCO6
PICO/JUCO6
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 103
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
46201
46301
46600
46601
46602
46603
antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
curl-leaf mountain mahogany/bluebunch wheatgrass
little sagebrush series
little sagebrush/Idaho fescue
little sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
little sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass-needle and thread
47140
bluebunch wheatgrass series
46610
46611
46612
46613
46614
46620
46621
46622
46623
46630
46632
46633
46640
46641
46642
46650
46651
46652
47003
47004
47100
47101
47110
47111
47112
47113
47114
47115
47120
47121
47122
47123
47124
47125
47126
47127
47130
47131
47132
big sagebrush series
big sagebrush/Altai fescue
big sagebrush/Idaho fescue
big sagebrush/Idaho fescue-sticky purple geranium
big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
shrubby cinquefoil series
shrubby cinquefoil/Altai fescue
shrubby cinquefoil/Altai fescue-timber oatgrass
shrubby cinquefoil/Idaho fescue
antelope bitterbrush series
antelope bitterbrush/Idaho fescue
antelope bitterbrush/Altai fescue
skunkbush sumac series
skunkbush sumac/Idaho fescue
skunkbush sumac/bluebunch wheatgrass
greasewood series
greasewood/basin wildrye
greasewood/western wheatgrass
Idaho fescue-western wheatgrass-streambank wheatgrass
Idaho fescue/bearded wheatgrass
tufted hairgrass series
tufted hairgrass/sedge
Altai fescue series
Altai fescue/Idaho fescue
Altai fescue/Idaho fescue-Richardson’s needlegrass
Altai fescue/Idaho fescue-sticky purple geranium
Altai fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass
Altai fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass-needle and thread
Idaho fescue series
Idaho fescue/Richardson’s needlegrass
Idaho fescue/threadleaf sedge
Idaho fescue/tufted hairgrass
Idaho fescue/bearded wheatgrass-sticky purple geranium
Idaho fescue/western wheatgrass
Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass
Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass-western needlegrass
needle and thread series
needle and thread/blue grama
needle and thread/blue grama-western wheatgrass
G-6
Scientific Name
PUTR2/PSSPS
CELE3/PSSPS
ARAR8
ARAR8/FEID
ARAR8/PSSPS
ARAR8/PSSPSHECOC8
ARTR2
ARTR2/FEAL
ARTR2/FEID
ARTR2/FEID-GEVI2
ARTR2/PSSPS
DAFL3
DAFL3/FEAL
DAFL3/FEAL-DAIN
DAFL3/FEID
PUTR2
PUTR2/FEID
PUTR2/FEAL
RHTR
RHTR/FEID
RHTR/PSSPS
SAVE4
SAVE4/LECI4
SAVE4/PASM
FEID-PASM-ELLAL
FEID/ELCA11
DECA18
DECA18/CAREX
FEAL
FEAL/FEID
FEAL/FEID-ACRI8
FEAL/FEID-GEVI2
FEAL/PSSPS
FEAL/PSSPS-HECOC8
FEID
FEID/ACRI8
FEID/CAFI
FEID/DECA18
FEID/ELCA11-GEVI2
FEID/PASM
FEID/PSSPS
FEID/PSSPS-ACOCO
HECOC8
HECOC8/BOGR2
HECOC8/BOGR2PASM
PSSPS
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 103 (cont.)
PV Code
47141
47142
47143
47144
47145
47146
PV Code
PV Code
200
210
220
250
260
Common Name
green ash series
green ash/chockecherry
green ash/chokecherry-American elm
green ash/western snowberry
eastern cottonwood/green ash
eastern cottonwood/Rocky Mountain juniper
quaking aspen series
quaking aspen/chokecherry
quaking aspen/paper birch
quaking aspen/bur oak
bur oak series
bur oak/chokecherry
bur oak/hazelnut
Rocky Mountain juniper series
Rocky Mountain juniper/littleseed ricegrass
ponderosa pine series
ponderosa pine/Rocky Mountain juniper
limber pine series
limber pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
paper birch/beaked hazelnut
paper birch/western blue virginsbower
Reference Code 110
10
100
130
140
170
190
20
Common Name
bluebunch wheatgrass/blue grama
bluebunch wheatgrass/blue grama-dotted blazing star
bluebunch wheatgrass/western wheatgrass
bluebunch wheatgrass/western wheatgrass-green needlegrass
bluebunch wheatgrass/Sandberg bluegrass
bluebunch wheatgrass/Sandberg bluegrass-needle and thread
Reference Code 109
100
110
111
120
130
140
200
210
220
230
300
310
320
400
410
500
510
600
610
710
720
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
scree
ponderosa pine series
ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/common snowberry
ponderosa pine/mallow ninebark
flood plain and riparian communities
Scientific Name
PSSPS/BOGR2
PSSPS/BOGR2-LIPU
PSSPS/PASM
PSSPS/PASM-NAVI4
PSSPS/POSE
PSSPS/POSE-HECOC8
Scientific Name
FRPE
FRPE/PRVI
FRPE/PRVI-ULAM
FRPE/SYOC
PODE3/FRPE
PODE3/JUSC2
POTR5
POTR5/PRVI
POTR5/BEPA
POTR5/QUMA2
QUMA2
QUMA2/PRVI
QUMA2/CORYL
JUSC2
JUSC2/PIMI7
PIPO
PIPO/JUSC2
PIFL2
PIFL2/PSSPS
BEPA/COCO6
BEPA/CLOC2
Scientific Name
scree
PIPO
PIPO/PSSPS
PIPO/FEID
PIPO/SYAL
PIPO/PHMA5
flood plain and
riparian
PSME
PSME/PSSPS
PSME/FEID
PSME/VACA13
PSME/PHMA5
Douglas-fir series
Douglas-fir/bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/Idaho fescue
Douglas-fir/dwarf bilberry
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark
G-7
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 110 (cont.)
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
261
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
280
30
31
310
320
322
323
330
340
500
501
502
505
506
507
508
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry
Sitka alder communities
Sitka alder/heartleaf springbeauty
Douglas-fir/common snowberry
Douglas-fir/pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/Geyer’s sedge
Douglas-fir/white spirea
grand fir series
western red cedar series
western hemlock series
grand fir/white spirea
grand fir/mallow ninebark
grand fir/mallow ninebark/Idaho goldthread
grand fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
263
510
511
512
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
523
524
525
526
529
530
531
533
534
535
540
541
542
545
546
547
548
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark/starry false lily of the valley
grand fir/common beargrass
grand fir/common beargrass/Idaho goldthread
grand fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
grand fir/bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-mallow ninebark
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
grand fir/arrowleaf ragwort
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western redcedar/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
western red cedar/common ladyfern
western red cedar/common ladyfern-northern maidenhair
western red cedar/common ladyfern-common ladyfern
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
G-8
Scientific Name
PSME/PHMA5PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5/MAST
4
PSME/VAME
ALVIS
ALVIS/CLCO3
PSME/SYAL
PSME/CARU
PSME/CARU-ARUV
PSME/CARU-CARU
PSME/CAGE2
PSME/SPBE2
ABGR
THPL
TSHE
ABGR/SPBE2
ABGR/PHMA5
ABGR/PHMA5/COOC
ABGR/PHMA5PHMA5
ABGR/XETE
ABGR/XETE/COOC
ABGR/XETE-VAME
ABGR/VAME
ABGR/ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-MEFE
ABGR/ASCA2-TABR2
ABGR/CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-XETE
ABGR/CLUN2-PHMA5
ABGR/CLUN2-MEFE
ABGR/CLUN2-TABR2
ABGR/SETR
THPL/CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-MEFE
THPL/CLUN2-XETE
THPL/CLUN2-TABR2
THPL/ATFI
THPL/ATFI-ADPE
THPL/ATFI-ATFI
THPL/ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-MEFE
THPL/ASCA2-TABR2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 110 (cont.)
PV Code
550
555
560
565
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
590
591
592
600
620
621
624
625
635
636
637
640
650
651
652
654
655
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
680
681
682
685
686
687
690
691
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
western red cedar/devilsclub
western red cedar/western oakfern
western red cedar/northern maidenhair
western hemlock/western oakfern
western hemlock/bride's bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-wild sarsaparilla
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western hemlock/rusty menziesia
grand fir/twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir series
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/bluejoint-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint-western Labrador tea
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-grouse whortleberry
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk
mountain hemlockclaspleaf /twistedstalk-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
subalpine fir/common beargrass
subalpine fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
G-9
Scientific Name
THPL/OPHO
THPL/GYDR
THPL/ADPE
TSHE/GYDR
TSHE/CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-ARNU2
TSHE/CLUN2-MEFE
TSHE/CLUN2-XETE
TSHE/ASCA2
TSHE/ASCA2-ARNU2
TSHE/ASCA2-MEFE
TSHE/ASCA2-ASCA2
TSHE/MEFE
ABGR/LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA
ABLA/CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-XETE
ABLA/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/STAM2
ABLA/STAM2-MEFE
ABLA/STAM2-LICA2
ABLA/VACA13
ABLA/CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-LICA2
ABLA/CACA4-VACA13
ABLA/CACA4-LEGL
ABLA/MEFE
ABLA/MEFE-COOC
ABLA/MEFE-LUGLH
ABLA/MEFE-XETE
ABLA/MEFE-VASC
TSME/STAM2
TSME/STAM2-LUGLH
TSME/STAM2-MEFE
TSME/MEFE
TSME/MEFE-LUGLH
TSME/MEFE-XETE
TSME/CLUN2
TSME/CLUN2-MEFE
TSME/CLUN2-XETE
ABLA/XETE
ABLA/XETE-VAME
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 110 (cont.)
PV Code
692
693
694
701
710
711
712
713
720
730
750
830
840
850
860
900
920
925
940
PV Code
Common Name
subalpine fir/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock series
mountain hemlock/common beargrass
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/common beargass-thinleaf huckleberry
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/pinegrass
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
whitebark pine-subalpine fir communities
subalpine larch-subalpine fir communities
lodgepole pine series
lodgepole pine/dwarf bilberry
lodgepole pine/common beargrass
lodgepole pine/grouse whortleberry
Reference Code 111
000
040
050
051
052
070
100
110
120
130
140
141
142
160
161
162
170
171
172
180
181
182
190
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
limber pine
limber pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
limber pine/Idaho fescue
limber pine/Idaho fesue-Idaho fescue
limber pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
limber pine/common juniper
ponderosa pine
ponderosa pine/bluestem
ponderosa pine/needle and thread
ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-creeping barberry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-russet buffaloberry
ponderosa pine/mallow ninebark
G-10
Scientific Name
ABLA/XETE-VASC
ABLA/XETE-COOC
ABLA/XETE-LUGLH
TSME
TSME/XETE
TSME/XETE-LUGLH
TSME/XETE-VAME
TSME/XETE-VASC
ABLA/VAME
ABLA/VASC
ABLA/CARU
ABLA/LUGLH
TSME/LUGLH
PIAL-ABLA
LALY-ABLA
PICO
PICO/VACA13
PICO/XETE
PICO/VASC
Scientific Name
PIFL2
PIFL2/PSSPS
PIFL2/FEID
PIFL2/FEID-FEID
PIFL2/FEID-FEAL
PIFL2/JUCO6
PIPO
PIPO/ANDRO2
PIPO/HECO26
PIPO/PSSPS
PIPO/FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEAL
PIPO/PUTR2
PIPO/PUTR2-PSSPS
PIPO/PUTR2-FEID
PIPO/SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-MARE11
PIPO/PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-SHCA
PIPO/PHMA5
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 111 (cont.)
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
200
210
220
230
250
260
261
Douglas-fir
Douglas-fir/bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/Idaho fescue
Douglas-fir/altai fescue
Douglas-fir/dwarf bilberry
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
280
281
282
283
290
291
292
293
310
311
312
313
320
321
322
323
324
330
340
350
360
365
370
380
400
410
420
421
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-common beargrass
Douglas-fir/twinflower
Douglas-fir/twinflower-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/twinflower-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/twinflower-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-ponderosa pine
Douglas-fir/Geyer’s sedge
Douglas-fir/white spirea
Douglas-fir/kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/common juniper
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood
Douglas-fir/heartleaf arnica
Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry
spruce
spruce/field horsetail
spruce/bride’s bonnet
spruce/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
262
263
422
430
440
450
460
461
462
470
480
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark/starry false lily of the valley
spruce/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
spruce/mallow ninebark
spruce/fragrant bedstraw
spruce/dwarf bilberry
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel-Douglas-fir
spruce/cleft leaf groundsel-spruce
spruce/twinflower
spruce/starry false lily of the valley
G-11
Scientific Name
PSME
PSME/PSSPS
PSME/FEID
PSME/FEAL
PSME/VACA13
PSME/PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5-CARU
PSME/PHMA5/MAST
4
PSME/VAME
PSME/VAME-VAME
PSME/VAME-ARUV
PSME/VAME-XETE
PSME/LIBO3
PSME/LIBO3-SYAL
PSME/LIBO3-VAME
PSME/LIBO3-VAME
PSME/SYAL
PSME/SYAL-PSSPS
PSME/SYAL-CARU
PSME/SYAL-SYAL
PSME/CARU
PSME/CARU-PSSPS
PSME/CARU-ARUV
PSME/CARU-CARU
PSME/CARU-PIPO
PSME/CAGE2
PSME/SPBE2
PSME/ARUV
PSME/JUCO6
PSME/COCA13
PSME/ARCO9
PSME/SYOR2
PICEA
PICEA/EQAR
PICEA/CLUN2
PICEA/CLUN2VACA13
PICEA/CLUN2-CLUN2
PICEA/PHMA5
PICEA/GATR3
PICEA/VACA13
PICEA/PAST10
PICEA/PAST10-PSME
PICEA/PAST10-PICEA
PICEA/LIBO3
PICEA/MAST4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 111 (cont.)
PV Code
500
501
502
505
506
507
508
510
511
512
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
540
541
542
545
546
547
548
550
555
560
565
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
grand fir
western red cedar
western Hemlock
grand fir/white spirea
grand fir/mallow ninebark
grand fir/mallow ninebark/Idaho goldthread
grand fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
grand fir/common beargrass
grand fir/common beargrass-Idaho goldthread
grand fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
grand fir/bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-mallow ninebark
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
grand fir/arrowleaf ragwort
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
western red cedar/common ladyfern
western red cedar/common ladyfern-northern maidenhair
western red cedar/common ladyfern-common ladyfern
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
western red cedar/devilsclub
western red cedar/western oakfern
western red cedar/northern maidenhair
western hemlock/western oakfern
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-wild sarsaparilla
G-12
Scientific Name
ABGR
THPL
TSHE
ABGR/SPBE2
ABGR/PHMA5
ABGR/PHMA5/COOC
ABGR/PHMA5PHMA5
ABGR/XETE
ABGR/XETE-COOC
ABGR/XETE-VAME
ABGR/VAME
ABGR/ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-MEFE
ABGR/ASCA2-TABR2
ABGR/CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABGR/CLUN2-XETE
ABGR/CLUN2-PHMA5
ABGR/CLUN2-MEFE
ABGR/CLUN2-TABR2
ABGR/SETR
THPL/CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-ARNU2
THPL/CLUN2-MEFE
THPL/CLUN2-XETE
THPL/CLUN2-TABR2
THPL/ATFI
THPL/ATFI-ADPE
THPL/ATFI-ATFI
THPL/ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-MEFE
THPL/ASCA2-TABR2
THPL/OPHO
THPL/GYDR
THPL/ADPE
TSHE/GYDR
TSHE/CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-ARNU2
TSHE/CLUN2-MEFE
TSHE/CLUN2-XETE
TSHE/ASCA2
TSHE/ASCA2-ARNU2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 111 (cont.)
PV Code
577
578
579
590
591
592
600
610
620
621
622
623
624
625
630
635
636
637
640
650
651
652
653
654
655
660
661
662
663
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
680
681
682
685
686
690
691
692
693
694
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western hemlock/rusty menziesia
grand fir/twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir
subalpine fir/devilsclub
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/bluejoint-fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/bluejoint-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint-western Labrador tea
subalpine fir/twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir/twinflower-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-grouse whortleberry
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/common beargrass
subalpine fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
G-13
Scientific Name
TSHE/ASCA2-MEFE
TSHE/ASCA2-ASCA2
TSHE/MEFE
ABGR/LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA
ABLA/OPHO
ABLA/CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABLA/CLUN2-VACA13
ABLA/CLUN2-XETE
ABLA/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/GATR3
ABLA/STAM2
ABLA/STAM2-MEFE
ABLA/STAM2-LICA2
ABLA/VACA13
ABLA/CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-LICA2
ABLA/CACA4-GATR3
ABLA/CACA4-VACA13
ABLA/CACA4-LEGL
ABLA/LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA/LIBO3-VASC
ABLA/MEFE
ABLA/MEFE-COOC
ABLA/MEFE-LUGLH
ABLA/MEFE-XETE
ABLA/MEFE-VASC
TSME/STAM2
TSME/STAM2-LUGLH
TSME/STAM2-MEFE
TSME/MEFE
TSME/MEFE-LUGLH
TSME/MEFE-XETE
TSME/CLUN2
TSME/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/XETE
ABLA/XETE-VAME
ABLA/XETE-VASC
ABLA/XETE-COOC
ABLA/XETE-LUGLH
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 111 (cont.)
PV Code
700
710
711
712
713
720
730
731
732
733
740
750
770
780
790
791
792
800
810
820
830
831
832
840
841
842
850
860
870
890
900
910
920
925
930
940
950
PV Code
Common Name
subalpine fir (lower subalpine)
mountain hemlock/common beargrass
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-pinegrass
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-western meadow-rue
subalpine fir/Sitka alder
subalpine fir/pinegrass
subalpine fir/rock clematis
subalpine fir/heartleaf arnica
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Douglas-fir
subalpine fir (upper subalpine)
subalpine fir/gooseberry currant
subalpine fir-whitebark pine/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse
whortleberry
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
whitebark pine-subalpine fir
subalpine larch-subalpine fir
whitebark pine
subalpine fir (timberline)
lodgepole pine
lodgepole pine/antelope bitterbrush
lodgepole pine/dwarf bilberry
lodgepole pine/common beargrass
lodgepole pine/twinflower
lodgepole pine/grouse whortleberry
lodgepole pine/pinegrass
Reference Code 112
103
104
105
106
110
111
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
narrowleaf cotonwood/recent alluvial barr
narrowleaf cotonwood/herbaceous
narrowleaf cottonleaf/western snowberry
narrowleaf cottonwood/redosier dogwood
green ash/chokecherry
boxelder/chokecherry
G-14
Scientific Name
ABLA
TSME/XETE
TSME/XETE-LUGLH
TSME/XETE-VAME
TSME/XETE-VASC
ABLA/VAME
ABLA/VASC
ABLA/VASC-CARU
ABLA/VASC-VASC
ABLA/VASC/THOC
ABLA/ALVIS
ABLA/CARU
ABLA/CLCOC2
ABLA/ARCO9
ABLA/CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-PSME
ABLA
ABLA/RIMO2
ABLA-PIAL/VASC
ABLA/LUGLH
ABLA/LUGLH-VASC
ABLA/LUGLH-MEFE
TSME/LUGLH
TSME/LUGLH-VASC
TSME/LUGLH-MEFE
PIAL-ABLA
LALY-ABLA
PIAL
ABLA
PICO
PICO/PUTR2
PICO/VACA13
PICO/XETE
PICO/LIBO3
PICO/VASC
PICO/CARU
Scientific Name
POAN3
POAN3
POAN3/SYOC
POAN3/COSES
FRPE/PRVI
ACNE2/PRVI
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 112 (cont.)
PV Code
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
12
120
121
122
123
124
125
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
180
181
200
201
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
Russian olive
plains cottonwood/redosier deogwood
plains cottonwood/herbaceous
plains cottonwood/recent alluvial bar
plains cottonwood/western snowberry
quaking aspen/creeping barberry
quakingaspen/bluejoint
quaking aspen/redoiser dogwood
spruce/fragrant bedstraw
quaking aspen/western sweetroot
quaking aspen/Kentucky bluegrass
black cottonwood/redosier dogwood
black cottonwood/herbaceous
black cottonwood/recent alluvial bar
Black cottonwood/western snowberry
peachleaf willow
Bebb willow
sageleaf willow/beaked sedge
Drummond’s willow/bluejoint
Drummond’s willow/beaked sedge
Drummond’s willow
Geyer willow/bluejoint
Geyer willow/beaked sedge
Geyer willow
Pacific willow
yellow willow/bluejoint
yellow willow/beaked sedge
yellow willow
diamondleaf willow/water sedge
Wolf's willow/water sedge
Wolf/s willow/tufted hairgrass
gray alder
silver sagebrush/western wheatgrass
silver sagebrush/Idaho fescue
resin birch/beaked sedge
water birch
fleshy hawthorn
alpine laurel/mountain sedge
chockcherry
Woods’ rose
greasewood/westerm wheatgrass
silver buffaloberry
rose spirea
western snowberry
five-stamen tamarisk
ponderosa pine/chokecherry
ponderosa pine/redosier dogwood
water sedge/water sedge
water sedge/tufted hairgrass
G-15
Scientific Name
ELAN
PODEM/COSES
PODEM
PODEM
PODEM/SYOC
POTR5/MARE11
POTR5/CACA4
POTR5/COSES
PICEA/GATR3
POTR5/OSOC
POTR5/POPR
POBAT/COSES
POBAT
POBAT
POBAT/SYOR
SAAM2
SABE2
SACA4/CARO6
SADR/CACA4
SADR/CARO6
SADR
SAGE2/CACA4
SAGE2/CARO6
SAGE2
SALUL
SALU2/CACA4
SALU2/CARO6
SALU2
SAPL2/CAAQ
SAWO/CAAQ
SAWO/DECA18
ALIN2
ARCA13/PASM
ARCA13/FEID
BEGL/CARO6
BEOC2
CRSU5
KAMI/CASC12
PRVI
ROWO
SAVE4/PASM
SHAR
SPDO
SYOC
TACH2
PIPO/PRVI
PIPO/COSES
CAAQ/CAAQ
CAAQ/DECA18
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 112 (cont.)
PV Code
202
203
204
205
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
30
4
400
43
44
540
542
550
555
565
6
601
610
613
630
631
632
633
635
636
637
650
651
652
654
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
mud sedge
beaked sedge/water sedge
beaked sedge/beaked sedge
beaked sedge/tufted hairgrass
westerm wheatgrass
creeping bentgrass
smooth brome
bluejoint
saltgrass
water horsetail
small floating mannagrass
American licorice
foxtail barley
reed canarygrass
common reed
fowl bluegrass
water knotweed
red swampfire
hardstem bulrush
cosmopolitan bulrush
chairmaker's bulrush
arrowleaf ragwort
prairie cordgrass
broadleaf cattail
Sitka alder communities
Engelmann spruce/field horsetail
Rocky Mountain juniper/redosier dogwood
Engelmann spruce/redosier dogwood
Engelmann spruce/American skunkcabbage
western red cedar/common ladyfern
western red cedar/common ladyfern-common ladyfern
western red cedar/devilsclub
western red cedar/western oakfern
western hemlock/western oakfern
spruce/bluejoint
subalpine fir/red baneberry
subalpine fir/devilsclub
grand fir/common ladyfern
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/western labrador tea
subalpine fir/western labrador tea-bluejoint
subalpine fir/western labrador tea-western labrador tea
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-claspleaf twistedstalk
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/bluejoint-dwarf bilberry
G-16
Scientific Name
CALI7
CARO6/CAAQ
CARO6/CARO6
CARO6/DECA18
PASM
AGST2
BRIN2
CACA4
DISP
EQFL
GLBO
GLLE3
HOJU
PHAR3
PHAU7
POPA2
POAM8
SARU
SCAC3
SCMA8
SCAM6
SETR
SPPE
TYLA
ALVIS
PIEN/EQAR
JUSC2/COSES
PIEN/COSES
PIEN/LYAM3
THPL/ATFI
THPL/ATFI-ATFI
THPL/OPHO
THPL/GYDR
TSHE/GYDR
PICEA/CACA4
ABLA/ACRU2
ABLA/OPHO
ABGR/ATFI
ABLA/GATR3
ABLA/LEGL
ABLA/LEGL-CACA4
ABLA/LEGL-LEGL
ABLA/STAM2
ABLA/STAM2-STAM2
ABLA/STAM2-MEFE
ABLA/CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-LICA2
ABLA/CACA4-VACA13
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 112 (cont.)
PV Code
700
HCS113
MD3111
MM1912
MM2911
MM2912
MM2914
MM2915
MM2917
MM2920
MS3111
MW3912
MW4911
MW4912
SW1117
SW3111
SW5112
SW5113
PV Code
Common Name
Dougals-fir/redosier dogwood
black cottonwood/thinleaf alder-redosier dogwood
Kentucky bluegrass (dry meadow)
tufted hairgrass (moist meadow)
woolly sedge (moist meadow)
Nebraska sedge (moist meadow)
water sedge (aquatic moist meadow)
analogue sedge (moist meadow)
Northwest Territory sedge (moist meadow)
woollyfruit sedge (moist meadow)
mountain sedge (subalpine wet meadow)
Baltic rush
fewflower spikerush
common spikerush
narrowleaf willow
black hawthorn
redosier dogwood
shrubby cinquefoil/tufted hairgrass
Reference Code 113
1
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3
4
5
6
7
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
Idaho fescue/varileaf cinquefoil
Ross’ avens/twinflower sandwort
eightpetal mountain-avens/curly sedge
black alpine sedge
Drummond’s rush/woolly pussytoes
pink mountainheath/woolly pussytoes
western moss heather/Payson’s sedge
Parry’s rush/Bear River fleabane
grayleaf willow
tufted hairgrass/white marsh marigold
mountain sedge/white marsh marigold
tufted hairgrass/varileaf cinquefoil
netleaf willow/white marsh marigold
diamondleaf willow/mountain sedge
Dry slope communities
Moist slope communities
spike fescue
Ross’ avens, Parry’s clover
flowery phlox/dwarf clover
cushion phlox/alpine clover
alpine clover/Ross’ avens
littleleaf pussytoes/alpine sagebrush
spike fescue/field locoweed
blackroot sedge
northern singlespike sedge/varileaf cinquefoil
northern singlespike sedge/Ross’ avens
eightpetal mountain-avens/alpine bistort
G-17
Scientific Name
PSME/COSES
POBAT/ALINT-COSES
POPR
DECA18
CAPE42
CANE2
CAAQ
CASI2
CAUT
CALA11
CASC12
JUBA
ELQU2
ELPA3
SAEX
CRDO2
COSES
DAFL3/DECA18
Scientific Name
FEID/PODI2
GERO2/MIOB2
DROC/CARU3
CANI2
JUDR/ANLA3
PHEM/ANLA3
CAME7/CAPA31
JUPA/ERUR2
SAGL
DECA18/CALE4
CASC12/CALE4
DECA18/PODI2
SARE2/CALE4
SAPL2/CASC12
LEKI2
GERO2/TRPA5
PHMU3/TRNA2
PHPU5/TRDA2
TRDA2/GERO2
ANMI3/ARSC
LEKI2/OXCA4
CAEL3
CASC10/PODI2
CASC10/GERO2
DROC/POVI3
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 113 (cont.)
PV Code
8
9
PV Code
PV Code
Scientific Name
SAAR27/POBI6
CARU3/POOV2
Common Name
Western wheatgrass/threadleaf sedge
bluebunch wheatgrass/sideoats grama
bluebunch wheatgrass/threadleaf sedge
little bluestem/threadleaf sedge
silver sagebrush/western wheatgrass
big sagebrush/western wheatgrass
big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
prarie sandreed/sunsedge
Idaho fescue/sunsedge
green ash/chokecherry
creeping juniper/sunsedge
rocky mountain juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass
rocky mountain juniper/littleseed ricegrass
ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/sunsedge
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/common juniper
ponderosa pine/chokecherry
quaking aspen/Oregon grape
fragrant sumac/bluebunch wheatgrass
fragrant sumac/threadleaf sedge
fragrant sumac/Idaho fescue
greasewood/western wheatgrass
greasewood/bluebunch wheatgrass
silver buffaloberry
needle and thread/threadleaf sedge
needle and thread/sunsedge
western snowberry
Reference Code 115
100
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
Common Name
arctic willow/American bistort
curly sedge/sheep cinquefoil
Reference Code 114
100001
100005
100006
100010
100013
100014
100015
100021
100023
100024
100028
100029
100030
100032
100033
100034
100035
100037
100040
100046
100047
100048
100049
100050
100052
100054
100055
100056
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
western wheatgrass/green needlegrass
silver sagebrush/western wheatgrass
Wyoming big sagebrush/western wheatgrass
Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
Shadescale saltbrush/Wyoming big sagebrush
creeping juniper/little bluestem
shrubby cinquefoil/little bluestem
fragrant sumac/bluebunch wheatgrass
fragrant sumac/plains muhley
greasewood/western wheatgrass
greasewood/bluebunch wheatgrass
G-18
Scientific Name
PASM/CAFI
PSSPS/BOCU
PSSPS/CAFI
SCSCS/CAFI
ARCA13/PASM
ARTR2/PASM
ARTR2/PSSPS
CALO/CAINH2
FEID/CAINH2
FRPE/PRVI
JUHO2/CAINH2
JUSC2/PSSPS
JUSC2/PIMI7
PIPO/PSSPS
PIPO/CAINH2
PIPO/FEID
PIPO/JUCO6
PIPO/PRVI
POTR5/MARE11
RHAR4/PSSPS
RHAR4/CAFI
RHAR4/FEID
SAVE4/PASM
SAVE4/PSSPS
SHAR
HECOC8/CAFI
HECOC8/CAINH2
SYOC
Scientific Name
PASM/NAVI4
ARCA13/PASM
ARTRW8/PASM
ARTRW8/PSSPS
ATCO/SRTRW8
JUHO2/SCSCS
DAFR6/SCSCS
RHAR4/PSSPS
RHAR4/MUCU3
SAVE4/PASM
SAVE4/PSSPS
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 115 (cont.)
PV Code
200
2000
2100
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
PV Code
001
010
015
016
017
Water
Scree
Grassland steppe
STCO series
AGSP series
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
Shrubland steppe
ARAR series
ARTR series
ARTI series
POFR series
PUTR series
CELE series
RHTR series
SAVE series
039
050
060
061
065
070
071
072
073
074
078
079
080
Common Name
little bluestem/threadleaf sedge
silver buffaloberry
western snowberry
big bluestem
western wheatgrass/needle and thread
prairie sandreed/carex
saltgrass
Nuttall’s alkaligrass/saltgrass
needle and thread/threadleaf sedge
little sagebrush/bluegramma
Reference Code 199
018
019
020
021
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
Scientific Name
SCSCS/CAFI
SHAR
SYOC
ANGE
PASM/HECOC8
CALO/CAREX
DISP
PUNU2/DISP
HECOC8/CAFI
ARAR8/BOGR2
Scientific Name
Hesperostipa comata
Pseudoroegneria
spicata
Festuca idahoensis
Festuca altaica
Andropogon spp.
Deschampsia
caespitosa
FEID series
FESC series
And series
DECA series
Artemisia arbuscula
Artemisia tridentate
Artemisia tripartite
Dasiphora fruticosa
Purshia tridentate
Cercocarpus ledifolius
Rhus trilobata
Sarcobatus
vermiculatus
Eriognum spp.
ERI series
Hardwood forest woodland draws
Mountain bottomlands and meadows
CAR series
Grass types
Forb types
CRA series
CEL series
ALN series
SAL series
POTRE series
POTRI series
Carex spp.
Crataegus
Celtis spp.
Alnus spp.
Salix spp.
Populus tremuloides
Populus balsamifera L.
ssp. Trichocarpa
Alpine meadows and scrub
G-19
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 199 (cont.)
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
081
084
087
090
091
SG types
Forb types
Shrub types
limber pine series
limber pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
092
limber pine/Idaho fescue
094
limber pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
095
limber pine/common juniper
100
110
120
130
140
141
142
150
ponderosa pine
ponderosa pine/bluestem
ponderosa pine/needle and thread
ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue-Altai fescue
ponderosa pine/common snowberry
160
161
162
170
171
172
180
181
182
190
200
210
220
230
250
260
261
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass
ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush-Idaho fescue
ponderosa pine/common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-common snowberry
ponderosa pine/common snowberry-creeping barberry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-chokecherry
ponderosa pine/chokecherry-russet buffaloberry
ponderosa pine/mallow ninebark
Douglas fir
Douglas-fir/bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/Idaho fescue
Douglas-fir/altai fescue
Douglas-fir/dwarf bilberry
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
093
262
263
limber pine/Idaho fescue-Idaho fescue
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/mallow ninebark/starry false lily of the valley
G-20
Scientific Name
Pinus flexilis
Pinus
flexilis/Pseudoroegne
ria spicata
Pinus flexilis/Festuca
idahoensis
Pinus flexilis/Festuca
idahoensis-Festuca
idahoensis
Pinus flexilis/Festuca
idahoensis-Festuca
campestris
Pinus
flexilis/Juniperus
communis
PIPO
PIPO/ANDRO2
PIPO/HECO26
PIPO/PSSPS
PIPO/FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEID
PIPO/FEID-FEAL
Pinus
Ponderosa/Symphoric
arpos occidentalis
PIPO/PUTR2
PIPO/PUTR2-PSSPS
PIPO/PUTR2-FEID
PIPO/SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-SYAL
PIPO/SYAL-MARE11
PIPO/PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-PRVI
PIPO/PRVI-SHCA
PIPO/PHMA5
PSME
PSME/PSSPS
PSME/FEID
PSME/FEAL
PSME/VACA13
PSME/PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5PHMA5
PSME/PHMA5-CARU
PSME/PHMA5/MAST
4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 199 (cont.)
PV Code
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
280
281
282
283
290
291
292
293
310
311
312
313
320
321
322
323
324
325
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/thinleaf huckleberry-common beargrass
Douglas-fir/twinflower
Douglas-fir/twinflower-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/twinflower-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/twinflower-thinleaf huckleberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/common snowberry-common snowberry
Douglas-fir/pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-pinegrass
Douglas-fir/pinegrass-ponderosa pine
Douglas fir/pinegrass
330
340
350
360
365
370
380
400
410
420
421
Douglas-fir/Geyer’s sedge
Douglas-fir/white spirea
Douglas-fir/kinnikinnick
Douglas-fir/common juniper
Douglas-fir/bunchberry dogwood
Douglas-fir/heartleaf arnica
Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry
spruce
spruce/field horsetail
spruce/bride’s bonnet
spruce/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
422
430
440
450
460
461
462
470
480
500
501
502
505
506
507
spruce/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
spruce/mallow ninebark
spruce/fragrant bedstraw
spruce/dwarf bilberry
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel
spruce/Rocky Mountain groundsel-Douglas-fir
spruce/cleft leaf groundsel-spruce
spruce/twinflower
spruce/starry false lily of the valley
grand fir
western red cedar
western hemlock
grand fir/white spirea
grand fir/mallow ninebark
grand fir/mallow ninebark/Idaho goldthread
G-21
Scientific Name
PSME/VAME
PSME/VAME-VAME
PSME/VAME-ARUV
PSME/VAME-XETE
PSME/LIBO3
PSME/LIBO3-SYAL
PSME/LIBO3-VAME
PSME/LIBO3-VAME
PSME/SYAL
PSME/SYAL-PSSPS
PSME/SYAL-CARU
PSME/SYAL-SYAL
PSME/CARU
PSME/CARU-PSSPS
PSME/CARU-ARUV
PSME/CARU-CARU
PSME/CARU-PIPO
Pseudotsuga
menziesii
/Calamagrostis
rubescens
PSME/CAGE2
PSME/SPBE2
PSME/ARUV
PSME/JUCO6
PSME/COCA13
PSME/ARCO9
PSME/SYOR2
PICEA
PICEA/EQAR
PICEA/CLUN2
PICEA/CLUN2VACA13
PICEA/CLUN2-CLUN2
PICEA/PHMA5
PICEA/GATR3
PICEA/VACA13
PICEA/PAST10
PICEA/PAST10-PSME
PICEA/PAST10-PICEA
PICEA/LIBO3
PICEA/MAST4
ABGR
THPL
TSHE
ABGR/SPBE2
ABGR/PHMA5
ABGR/PHMA5/COOC
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 199 (cont.)
PV Code
508
510
511
512
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
540
541
542
545
546
547
548
550
555
560
565
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
590
591
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
grand fir/mallow ninebark-mallow ninebark
grand fir/common beargrass
grand fir/common beargrass-Idaho goldthread
grand fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/thinleaf huckleberry
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia wildginger
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
grand fir/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
grand fir/bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-mallow ninebark
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
grand fir/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
grand fir/arrowleaf ragwort
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western red cedar/bride’s bonnet-Pacific yew
western red cedar/common ladyfern
western red cedar/common ladyfern-northern maidenhair
western red cedar/common ladyfern-common ladyfern
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western red cedar/British Columbia wildginger-Pacific yew
western red cedar/devilsclub
western red cedar/western oakfern
western red cedar/northern maidenhair
western hemlock/western oakfern
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-wild sarsaparilla
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-rusty menziesia
western hemlock/British Columbia wildginger-British Columbia
wildginger
western hemlock/rusty menziesia
grand fir/twinflower
grand fir/twinflower-twinflower
G-22
Scientific Name
ABGR/PHMA5PHMA5
ABGR/XETE
ABGR/XETE-COOC
ABGR/XETE-VAME
ABGR/VAME
ABGR/ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-ASCA2
ABGR/ASCA2-MEFE
ABGR/ASCA2-TABR2
ABGR/CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABGR/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABGR/CLUN2-XETE
ABGR/CLUN2-PHMA5
ABGR/CLUN2-MEFE
ABGR/CLUN2-TABR2
ABGR/SETR
THPL/CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-CLUN2
THPL/CLUN2-ARNU2
THPL/CLUN2-MEFE
THPL/CLUN2-XETE
THPL/CLUN2-TABR2
THPL/ATFI
THPL/ATFI-ADPE
THPL/ATFI-ATFI
THPL/ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-ASCA2
THPL/ASCA2-MEFE
THPL/ASCA2-TABR2
THPL/OPHO
THPL/GYDR
THPL/ADPE
TSHE/GYDR
TSHE/CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-CLUN2
TSHE/CLUN2-ARNU2
TSHE/CLUN2-MEFE
TSHE/CLUN2-XETE
TSHE/ASCA2
TSHE/ASCA2-ARNU2
TSHE/ASCA2-MEFE
TSHE/ASCA2-ASCA2
TSHE/MEFE
ABGR/LIBO3
ABGR/LIBO3-LIBO3
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 199 (cont.)
PV Code
592
600
610
620
621
622
623
624
625
630
635
636
637
640
650
651
652
653
654
655
660
661
662
663
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
680
681
682
685
686
690
691
692
693
694
700
710
711
712
713
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
grand fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir
subalpine fir/devilsclub
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-bride’s bonnet
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-wild sarsaparilla
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-common beargrass
subalpine fir/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/claspleaf twistedstalk-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-bluejoint
subalpine fir/bluejoint-Canby’s licorice-root
subalpine fir/bluejoint-fragrant bedstraw
subalpine fir/bluejoint-dwarf bilberry
subalpine fir/bluejoint-western Labrador tea
subalpine fir/twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-twinflower
subalpine fir/twinflower-common beargrass
subalpine fir/twinflower-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
subalpine fir/rusty menziesia-grouse whortleberry
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/claspleaf twistedstalk-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-common beargrass
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet
mountain hemlock/bride’s bonnet-rusty menziesia
subalpine fir/common beargrass
subalpine fir/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Idaho goldthread
subalpine fir/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir (lower subalpine)
mountain hemlock/common beargrass
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-Hitchcock’s smooth
woodrush
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-thinleaf huckleberry
mountain hemlock/common beargrass-grouse whortleberry
G-23
Scientific Name
ABGR/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA
ABLA/OPHO
ABLA/CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-CLUN2
ABLA/CLUN2-ARNU2
ABLA/CLUN2-VACA13
ABLA/CLUN2-XETE
ABLA/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/GATR3
ABLA/STAM2
ABLA/STAM2-MEFE
ABLA/STAM2-LICA2
ABLA/VACA13
ABLA/CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-CACA4
ABLA/CACA4-LICA2
ABLA/CACA4-GATR3
ABLA/CACA4-VACA13
ABLA/CACA4-LEGL
ABLA/LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-LIBO3
ABLA/LIBO3-XETE
ABLA/LIBO3-VASC
ABLA/MEFE
ABLA/MEFE-COOC
ABLA/MEFE-LUGLH
ABLA/MEFE-XETE
ABLA/MEFE-VASC
TSME/STAM2
TSME/STAM2-LUGLH
TSME/STAM2-MEFE
TSME/MEFE
TSME/MEFE-LUGLH
TSME/MEFE-XETE
TSME/CLUN2
TSME/CLUN2-MEFE
ABLA/XETE
ABLA/XETE-VAME
ABLA/XETE-VASC
ABLA/XETE-COOC
ABLA/XETE-LUGLH
ABLA
TSME/XETE
TSME/XETE-LUGLH
TSME/XETE-VAME
TSME/XETE-VASC
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Reference Code 199 (cont.)
PV Code
720
730
731
732
733
740
750
770
780
790
791
792
800
810
820
830
831
832
840
841
842
850
860
870
890
900
910
920
925
930
940
950
Appendix G: Potential Vegetation Codes
Common Name
subalpine fir/thinleaf huckleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-pinegrass
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/grouse whortleberry-western meadow-rue
subalpine fir/Sitka alder
subalpine fir/pinegrass
subalpine fir/rock clematis
subalpine fir/heartleaf arnica
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Geyer’s sedge
subalpine fir/Geyer’s sedge-Douglas-fir
subalpine fir (upper subalpine)
subalpine fir/gooseberry currant
subalpine fir-whitebark pine/grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse whortleberry
subalpine fir/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-grouse
whortleberry
mountain hemlock/Hitchcock’s smooth woodrush-rusty menziesia
whitebark pine-subalpine fir
subalpine larch-subalpine fir
whitebark pine
subalpine fir (timberline)
lodgepole pine
lodgepole pine/antelope bitterbrush
lodgepole pine/dwarf bilberry
lodgepole pine/common beargrass
lodgepole pine/twinflower
lodgepole pine/grouse whortleberry
lodgepole pine/pinegrass
G-24
Scientific Name
ABLA/VAME
ABLA/VASC
ABLA/VASC-CARU
ABLA/VASC-VASC
ABLA/VASC/THOC
ABLA/ALVIS
ABLA/CARU
ABLA/CLCOC2
ABLA/ARCO9
ABLA/CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-CAGE2
ABLA/CAGE2-PSME
ABLA
ABLA/RIMO2
ABLA-PIAL/VASC
ABLA/LUGLH
ABLA/LUGLH-VASC
ABLA/LUGLH-MEFE
TSME/LUGLH
TSME/LUGLH-VASC
TSME/LUGLH-MEFE
PIAL-ABLA
LALY-ABLA
PIAL
ABLA
PICO
PICO/PUTR2
PICO/VACA13
PICO/XETE
PICO/LIBO3
PICO/VASC
PICO/CARU
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix H: Fuel Photo References and Codes
APPENDIX H: FUEL PHOTO REFERENCES
AND CODES
Fuel Photo References
Code
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
Reference
Fischer, William C. 1981. Photo Guide for Appraising Downed Woody Fuels in
Montana Forests: Grand fir - Larch - Douglas-fir, Western Redcedar Cover Types.
USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-96, 53 p. IntermtN. For. and Range Exp. Stn.,
Ogden, Utah 84401.
Fischer, Willam C. 1981. Photo Guide for Appraising Downed Woody Fuels in
Montana Forests: Interior Ponderosa Pine, Ponderosa Pine - Larch - Douglas-fir,
Larch -Douglas-fir, and Interior Douglas-fir Cover Types. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech.
Rep. INT-97, 133 p. Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Ogden, Utah 84401.
Fischer, William C. 1981. Photo Guide for Appraising Downed Woody Fuels in
Montana Forests: Lodgepole Pine and Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir Cover
Types. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-98, 143 p. Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn.,
Ogden, Utah 84401.
Fischer, William C. 1981. Photo Guides for Appraising Downed Woody Fuels in
Montana Forests: How They Were Made. USDA For. Serv. Res. Note INT-299, 12 p.
Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Ogden, Utah 84401.
Koski, Wayne H. and William C. Fischer. 1979. Photo Series for Appraising Thinning
Slash in North Idaho:Western Hemlock, Grand fir, and Western Redcedar Timber
Types. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-46, 50 p. Intermt. For. and Range Exp. Stn.,
Ogden, Utah 84401.
Maxwell, Wayne G. and Franklin R. Ward. 1976. Photo Series for Quantifying Forest
Residues in the: Ponderosa Pine Type, Ponderosa Pine and Associated Species
Type, Lodgepole Pine Type. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-52, 74 p. Pacific
Northwest Range Exp. Stn., Portland, Oregon 97208.
Maxwell, Wayne G. and Ward, Franklin R. Photo Series for Quantifying Natural
Forest Residues in Common Vegetation Types of the Pacific Northwest. USDA For.
Serv. Gen Tech Rept. PNW-105. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Expt. Stn., Portland,
OR. 1980. 229 p.
Mackay, Douglas H. and Everett M. Stiger, Delman Goss, Byron Bonney. Photo Series for
Quantifying Forest Residues in: Douglas-fir, Engelmann Spruce Type, Limber Pine
Type, Lodgepole Pine Type, Ponderosa Pine Type, Subalpine Fir Type for Eastern
Montana. USDA Forest Service Northern Region. 162 p.
H-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix H: Fuel Photo References and Codes
Fuel Photo Codes
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 1
3A
4A
5A
6A
7A
8A
9A
10A
11A
13A
15
15A
16
16A
17A
18A
19A
25
63
65
66
67
5
7
8
9
12A
13
14
14A
17
18
23
24
27A
28
28A
29
29A
30
30A
31
31A
32
40A
41A
42
42A
43
43A
48
49
56
64
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
84
86
88
89
91
95
1
1A
2
2A
3
4
6
10
11
12
19
20
20A
21
21A
22
22A
23A
24A
25A
26
26A
27
34A
35
35A
36
46
46A
47
47A
48A
49A
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
59
60
61
62
81
82
83
85
87
90
92
93
94
96
97
98
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 5
37
38
39
40
41
44
44A
45
45A
1WH1TH
2WH1TH
3WH1TH
4WH1TH
5WH1TH
6WH1TH
1GF1TH
2GF1TH
3GF1TH
4GF1TH
1WC1TH
2WC1TH
3WC1TH
4WC1TH
5WC1TH
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 2
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 3
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 6
1PP4CC
2PP4CC
1PP4PC
2PP4PC
3PP4PC
4PP4PC
5PP4PC
1PP1TH
2PP1TH
3PP1TH
4PP1TH
5PP1TH
Fuel Photo Codes For Reference 8
1BR
1DF2
1DF3
1DF4
1DFHD3
1DFHD4
1GR
1HD2
1JU2
1LP1
1LP2
1LP3
1MC2
1MC3
1MC4
1PP&ASSOC3
1PP&ASSOC4
1PP1
1PP2
1PP3
1PP4
1SA1
1SA2
1SA3
1SA4
2BR
2DF2
2DF3
2DF4
2DFHD3
2DFHD4
2GR
2HD2
6PP1TH
1PP&ASSOC4PC
2PP&ASSOC4PC
3PP&ASSOC4PC
2JU2
2LP1
2LP2
2LP3
2MC2
2MC3
2MC4
2PP&ASSOC3
2PP&ASSOC4
2PP1
2PP2
6WC1TH
7WC1TH
4PP&ASSOC4PC
5PP&ASSOC4PC
6PP&ASSOC4PC
7PP&ASSOC4PC
2PP3
2PP4
2SA1
2SA2
2SA3
2SA4
3DF4
3DFHD3
3DFHD4
3LP1
3LP2
H-2
8PP&ASSOC4PC
1LP3CC
1LP3PC
2LP3PC
3LP3
3MC2
3MC3
3PP&ASSOC3
3PP&ASSOC4
3PP1
3PP2
3PP3
3PP4
3SA1
3SA3
4DF4
4DFHD4
4LP2
4PP&ASSOC3
4PP2
4PP3
4PP4
5DF4
5DFHD4
5PP&ASSOC3
5PP3
3LP3PC
4LP3PC
5LP3PC
5PP4
6DF4
6PP3
6PP4
7DF4
7PP3
7PP4
8PP3
8PP4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix I: Fixed Radius Plot
APPENDIX I: FIXED RADIUS PLOT
1. Correct the fixed plot radius for slope percent using the “Circular Plot Radii Corrected for Slope”
table and then measuring distances parallel to the ground line. This method always results in a
circular plot on the slope.
Example - 1/300 acre fixed plot on 50 percent slope. Corrected fixed plot radius is 7.2 feet.
Circular Plot Radii Corrected for Slope
SLOPE %
0-9
10-17
18-22
23-26
27-30
31-33
34-36
37-39
40-42
43-44
45-47
48-49
50-51
52-53
54-55
56-57
58-59
60-61
62-63
---------------------------------------------Plot Size in Acres---------------------------------------------
1/300
6.8
6.8
6.9
6.9
6.9
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.4
7.4
1/100
11.8
11.8
11.9
12.0
12.0
12.1
12.1
12.2
12.2
12.3
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.5
12.6
12.6
12.7
12.7
12.8
1/50
16.7
16.7
16.8
16.9
17.0
17.1
17.1
17.2
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.5
17.6
17.7
17.8
17.9
17.9
18.0
18.1
I-1
1/20
26.3
26.5
26.6
26.7
26.9
27.0
27.1
27.2
27.4
27.5
27.6
27.7
27.9
28.0
28.1
28.2
28.4
28.5
28.6
1/10
37.2
37.4
37.6
37.8
38.0
38.2
38.3
38.5
38.7
38.9
39.1
39.2
39.4
39.6
39.8
39.9
40.1
40.3
40.4
1/5
52.7
52.9
53.2
53.4
53.7
54.0
54.2
54.5
54.7
55.0
55.2
55.5
55.7
56.0
56.2
56.5
56.7
57.0
57.2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
64-65
66-67
68-69
70
71-72
73-74
75
76-77
78-79
80
81-82
83
84-85
86
87-88
89
90-91
92
93-94
95
96-97
98
99-100
101
102
103-104
105
106-107
108
109
110-111
112
113
114-115
116
117
118-119
120
121
122
123-124
125
130
135
140
145
150
7.4
7.4
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.9
7.9
7.9
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.4
8.4
8.4
8.4
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.6
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.0
9.1
Appendix I: Fixed Plot Radius
12.8
12.9
13.0
13.0
13.1
13.1
13.2
13.2
13.3
13.3
13.4
13.4
13.5
13.5
13.6
13.6
13.7
13.7
13.8
13.8
13.9
13.9
14.0
14.0
14.1
14.1
14.2
14.2
14.3
14.3
14.4
14.4
14.5
14.5
14.6
14.6
14.7
14.7
14.8
14.8
14.8
14.9
15.1
15.3
15.4
15.6
15.8
18.2
18.2
18.3
18.4
18.5
18.5
18.6
18.7
18.8
18.8
18.9
19.0
19.1
19.1
19.2
19.3
19.3
19.4
19.5
19.6
19.6
19.7
19.8
19.8
19.9
20.0
20.1
20.1
20.2
20.3
20.3
20.4
20.5
20.5
20.6
20.7
20.7
20.8
20.9
20.9
21.0
21.1
21.3
21.6
21.8
22.1
22.3
I-2
28.7
28.8
29.0
29.1
29.2
29.3
29.4
29.6
29.7
29.8
29.9
30.0
30.1
30.3
30.4
30.5
30.6
30.7
30.8
30.9
31.0
31.2
31.3
31.4
31.5
31.6
31.7
31.8
31.9
32.0
32.1
32.2
32.4
32.5
32.6
32.7
32.8
32.9
33.0
33.1
33.2
33.3
33.7
34.1
34.5
34.9
35.3
40.6
40.8
41.0
41.1
41.3
41.5
41.6
41.8
42.0
42.1
42.3
42.5
42.6
42.8
42.9
43.1
43.3
43.4
43.6
43.7
43.9
44.1
44.2
44.4
44.5
44.7
44.8
45.0
45.1
45.3
45.5
45.6
45.8
45.9
46.1
46.2
46.4
46.5
46.7
46.8
47.0
47.1
47.7
48.3
48.8
49.4
50.0
57.4
57.7
57.9
58.2
58.4
58.6
58.7
59.1
59.3
59.6
59.8
60.0
60.3
60.5
60.7
61.0
61.2
61.4
61.6
61.9
62.1
62.3
62.5
62.8
63.0
63.2
63.4
63.6
63.8
64.1
64.3
64.5
64.7
64.9
65.1
65.3
65.6
65.8
66.0
66.2
66.4
66.6
67.4
68.3
69.1
69.9
70.7
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix I: Fixed Radius Plot
2. Determine the slope limiting distance to borderline trees by using the “Slope Correction Table”
(The slope being corrected is the slope from plot center to the tree, not the overall plot slope.).
Measure the distance parallel to the ground line to the borderline tree. This method always
results in an oval plot on the slope. Following is a list of fixed plot sizes and the specific radius
for each:
Plot Size
1/1000
1/500
1/400
1/300
1/250
1/200
Plot Radius
3.7 feet
5.3 feet
5.9 feet
6.8 feet
7.4 feet
8.3 feet
Plot Size
1/250
1/150
1/100
1/50
1/20
1/10
Plot Radius
7.4 feet
9.6 feet
11.8 feet
16.7 feet
26.3 feet
37.2 feet
Plot Size
1/5
1/4
1/3
1/2
1
Plot Radius
52.7 feet
58.9 feet
68.0 feet
83.3 feet
117.8 feet
To determine the slope limiting distance, multiply the plot radius for the appropriate plot size
by the appropriate slope correction factor.
Slope Correction Table
Percent
of Slope
Degree
of Slope
Correction
Factor
Percent
of Slope
Degree
of Slope
Correction
Factor
Percent
of Slope
Degree
of Slope
Correction
Factor
0 to 9
10 to 17
0-6
7-10
1.00
1.01
78 to 79
80
38
39
1.27
1.28
49
50
1.54
1.55
19-20
21
22
1.06
1.07
1.08
87 to 88
89
90 to 91
41
42
42
1.33
1.34
1.35
117
118 to
119
120
121
122
123 to
124
125
126
127 to
128
129
130
131
132 to
133
134
135
51
52
52
1.60
1.61
1.62
18 to 22
23 to 26
27 to 30
31 to 33
11-12
13-14
15-17
18
43 to 44
45 to 47
48 to 49
50 to 51
23
24
25-26
27
34 to 36
37 to 39
40 to 42
52 to 53
54 to 55
56 to 57
58 to 59
60 to 61
62 to 63
64 to 65
66 to 67
68 to 69
28
29
29
30
31
32
33
34
34
1.02
1.03
1.04
1.05
1.09
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18
1.19
1.20
1.21
81 to 82
83
84 to 85
86
92
93 to 94
95
96 to 97
98
99 to
100
101
102
103
to104
105
106
to107
108
109
39
40
40
41
43
43
44
44
44
45
45
46
46
46
47
47
47
I-3
1.29
1.30
1.31
1.32
1.36
1.37
1.38
1.39
1.40
1.41
1.42
1.43
1.44
1.45
1.46
1.47
1.48
136
137 to
138
139
140
141
142 to
143
144
50
50
51
51
52
52
53
53
53
53
54
54
54
54
55
55
55
1.56
1.57
1.58
1.59
1.63
1.64
1.65
1.66
1.67
1.68
1.69
1.70
1.71
1.72
1.73
1.74
1.75
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
70
35
1.22
76 to 77
38
1.26
71 to 72
73 to 74
75
36
37
37
1.23
1.24
1.25
Appendix I: Fixed Plot Radius
110 to
111
112
113
114 to
115
116
48
1.49
49
1.53
48
48
49
I-4
1.50
1.51
1.52
145
146
147
148 to
149
150
55
1.76
56
1.80
56
56
56
1.77
1.78
1.79
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
APPENDIX J: VARIABLE RADIUS PLOT
Table J-1: BAF 10 Plot Radii in Feet and Tenths of Feet from Plot Center to Face of Tree at DBH for 0%
Slope
Inches
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
13.5
16.2
19.0
21.7
24.4
27.1
29.8
32.5
35.2
37.9
40.6
43.3
46.0
48.7
51.5
54.2
56.9
59.6
62.3
65.0
67.7
70.4
73.1
75.8
78.5
81.2
83.9
86.7
89.4
92.1
94.8
97.5
100.2
102.9
105.6
108.3
111.0
113.7
116.4
119.2
121.9
124.6
127.3
130.0
132.7
135.4
13.8
16.5
19.2
21.9
24.6
27.4
30.1
32.8
35.5
38.2
40.9
43.6
46.3
49.0
51.7
54.4
57.1
59.8
62.6
65.3
68.0
70.7
73.4
76.1
78.8
81.5
84.2
86.9
89.6
92.3
95.1
97.8
100.5
103.2
105.9
108.6
111.3
114.0
116.7
119.4
122.1
124.8
127.5
130.3
133.0
135.7
14.1
16.8
19.5
22.2
24.9
27.6
30.3
33.0
35.7
38.5
41.2
43.9
46.6
49.3
52.0
54.7
57.4
60.1
62.8
65.5
68.2
70.9
73.7
76.4
79.1
81.8
84.5
87.2
89.9
92.6
95.3
98.0
100.7
103.4
106.2
108.9
111.6
114.3
117.0
119.7
122.4
125.1
127.8
130.5
133.2
135.9
14.4
17.1
19.8
22.5
25.2
27.9
30.6
33.3
36.0
38.7
41.4
44.1
46.8
49.6
52.3
55.0
57.7
60.4
63.1
65.8
68.5
71.2
73.9
76.6
79.3
82.1
84.8
87.5
90.2
92.9
95.6
98.3
101.0
103.7
106.4
109.1
111.8
114.5
117.3
120.0
122.7
125.4
128.1
130.8
133.5
136.2
14.6
17.3
20.0
22.7
25.5
28.2
30.9
33.6
36.3
39.0
41.7
44.4
47.1
49.8
52.5
55.2
58.0
60.7
63.4
66.1
68.8
71.5
74.2
76.9
79.6
82.3
85.0
87.7
90.4
93.2
95.9
98.6
101.3
104.0
106.7
109.4
112.1
114.8
117.5
120.2
122.9
125.7
128.4
131.1
133.8
136.5
14.9
17.6
20.3
23.0
25.7
28.4
31.1
33.9
36.6
39.3
42.0
44.7
47.4
50.1
52.8
55.5
58.2
60.9
63.6
66.3
69.1
71.8
74.5
77.2
79.9
82.6
85.3
88.0
90.7
93.4
96.1
98.8
101.6
104.3
107.0
109.7
112.4
115.1
117.8
120.5
123.2
125.9
128.6
131.3
134.0
136.8
Prepared by multiplying the BAF 10 Plot Radius Factor 2.708 * DBH
For example, if DBH = 14.3 inches, then 14.3 * 2.708 = 38.
J-1
15.2
17.9
20.6
23.3
26.0
28.7
31.4
34.1
36.8
39.5
42.2
45.0
47.7
50.4
53.1
55.8
58.5
61.2
63.9
66.6
69.3
72.0
74.7
77.4
80.2
82.9
85.6
88.3
91.0
93.7
96.4
99.1
101.8
104.5
107.2
109.9
112.7
115.4
118.1
120.8
123.5
126.2
128.9
131.6
134.3
137.0
15.4
18.1
20.9
23.6
26.3
29.0
31.7
34.4
37.1
39.8
42.5
45.2
47.9
50.6
53.3
56.1
58.8
61.5
64.2
66.9
69.6
72.3
75.0
77.7
80.4
83.1
85.8
88.6
91.3
94.0
96.7
99.4
102.1
104.8
107.5
110.2
112.9
115.6
118.3
121.0
123.8
126.5
129.2
131.9
134.6
137.3
15.7
18.4
21.1
23.8
26.5
29.2
32.0
34.7
37.4
40.1
42.8
45.5
48.2
50.9
53.6
56.3
59.0
61.7
64.5
67.2
69.9
72.6
75.3
78.0
80.7
83.4
86.1
88.8
91.5
94.2
96.9
99.7
102.4
105.1
107.8
110.5
113.2
115.9
118.6
121.3
124.0
126.7
129.4
132.2
134.9
137.6
16.0
18.7
21.4
24.1
26.8
29.5
32.2
34.9
37.6
40.3
43.1
45.8
48.5
51.2
53.9
56.6
59.3
62.0
64.7
67.4
70.1
72.8
75.6
78.3
81.0
83.7
86.4
89.1
91.8
94.5
97.2
99.9
102.6
105.3
108.0
110.8
113.5
116.2
118.9
121.6
124.3
127.0
129.7
132.4
135.1
137.8
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-2: BAF 20 Plot Radii in Feet and Tenths of Feet from Plot Center to Face of Tree at DBH for 0%
Slope
Inches
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
9.5
11.4
13.3
15.2
17.1
19.0
20.9
22.8
24.7
26.6
28.5
30.4
32.4
34.3
36.2
38.1
40.0
41.9
43.8
45.7
47.6
49.5
51.4
53.3
55.2
57.1
59.0
60.9
62.8
64.7
66.6
68.5
70.4
72.3
74.2
76.1
78.0
79.9
81.8
83.7
85.6
87.5
89.4
91.3
93.2
95.2
9.7
11.6
13.5
15.4
17.3
19.2
21.1
23.0
24.9
26.8
28.7
30.6
32.5
34.4
36.3
38.3
40.2
42.1
44.0
45.9
47.8
49.7
51.6
53.5
55.4
57.3
59.2
61.1
63.0
64.9
66.8
68.7
70.6
72.5
74.4
76.3
78.2
80.1
82.0
83.9
85.8
87.7
89.6
91.5
93.4
95.3
9.9
11.8
13.7
15.6
17.5
19.4
21.3
23.2
25.1
27.0
28.9
30.8
32.7
34.6
36.5
38.4
40.3
42.2
44.1
46.1
48.0
49.9
51.8
53.7
55.6
57.5
59.4
61.3
63.2
65.1
67.0
68.9
70.8
72.7
74.6
76.5
78.4
80.3
82.2
84.1
86.0
87.9
89.8
91.7
93.6
95.5
10.1
12.0
13.9
15.8
17.7
19.6
21.5
23.4
25.3
27.2
29.1
31.0
32.9
34.8
36.7
38.6
40.5
42.4
44.3
46.2
48.1
50.0
52.0
53.9
55.8
57.7
59.6
61.5
63.4
65.3
67.2
69.1
71.0
72.9
74.8
76.7
78.6
80.5
82.4
84.3
86.2
88.1
90.0
91.9
93.8
95.7
10.3
12.2
14.1
16.0
17.9
19.8
21.7
23.6
25.5
27.4
29.3
31.2
33.1
35.0
36.9
38.8
40.7
42.6
44.5
46.4
48.3
50.2
52.1
54.0
55.9
57.9
59.8
61.7
63.6
65.5
67.4
69.3
71.2
73.1
75.0
76.9
78.8
80.7
82.6
84.5
86.4
88.3
90.2
92.1
94.0
95.9
10.5
12.4
14.3
16.2
18.1
20.0
21.9
23.8
25.7
27.6
29.5
31.4
33.3
35.2
37.1
39.0
40.9
42.8
44.7
46.6
48.5
50.4
52.3
54.2
56.1
58.0
59.9
61.8
63.8
65.7
67.6
69.5
71.4
73.3
75.2
77.1
79.0
80.9
82.8
84.7
86.6
88.5
90.4
92.3
94.2
96.1
10.7
12.6
14.5
16.4
18.3
20.2
22.1
24.0
25.9
27.8
29.7
31.6
33.5
35.4
37.3
39.2
41.1
43.0
44.9
46.8
48.7
50.6
52.5
54.4
56.3
58.2
60.1
62.0
63.9
65.8
67.7
69.6
71.6
73.5
75.4
77.3
79.2
81.1
83.0
84.9
86.8
88.7
90.6
92.5
94.4
96.3
10.8
12.8
14.7
16.6
18.5
20.4
22.3
24.2
26.1
28.0
29.9
31.8
33.7
35.6
37.5
39.4
41.3
43.2
45.1
47.0
48.9
50.8
52.7
54.6
56.5
58.4
60.3
62.2
64.1
66.0
67.9
69.8
71.7
73.6
75.5
77.5
79.4
81.3
83.2
85.1
87.0
88.9
90.8
92.7
94.6
96.5
Prepared by multiplying the BAF 20 Plot Radius Factor 1.902 * DBH.
For example, if DBH = 14.3 inches, then 14.3 * 1.903 = 27.
J-2
11.0
12.9
14.8
16.7
18.6
20.6
22.5
24.4
26.3
28.2
30.1
32.0
33.9
35.8
37.7
39.6
41.5
43.4
45.3
47.2
49.1
51.0
52.9
54.8
56.7
58.6
60.5
62.4
64.3
66.2
68.1
70.0
71.9
73.8
75.7
77.6
79.5
81.4
83.4
85.3
87.2
89.1
91.0
92.9
94.8
96.7
11.2
13.1
15.0
16.9
18.8
20.7
22.6
24.5
26.5
28.4
30.3
32.2
34.1
36.0
37.9
39.8
41.7
43.6
45.5
47.4
49.3
51.2
53.1
55.0
56.9
58.8
60.7
62.6
64.5
66.4
68.3
70.2
72.1
74.0
75.9
77.8
79.7
81.6
83.5
85.4
87.3
89.3
91.2
93.1
95.0
96.9
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-3: BAF 30 Plot Radii in Feet and Tenths of Feet from Plot Center to Face of Tree at DBH for 0%
Slope
Inches
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
7.7
9.3
10.8
12.4
13.9
15.5
17.0
18.6
20.1
21.6
23.2
24.7
26.3
27.8
29.4
30.9
32.5
34.0
35.6
37.1
38.7
40.2
41.7
43.3
44.8
46.4
47.9
49.5
51.0
52.6
54.1
55.7
57.2
58.7
60.3
61.8
63.4
64.9
66.5
68.0
69.6
71.1
72.7
74.2
75.8
77.3
7.9
9.4
11.0
12.5
14.1
15.6
17.2
18.7
20.3
21.8
23.3
24.9
26.4
28.0
29.5
31.1
32.6
34.2
35.7
37.3
38.8
40.4
41.9
43.4
45.0
46.5
48.1
49.6
51.2
52.7
54.3
55.8
57.4
58.9
60.4
62.0
63.5
65.1
66.6
68.2
69.7
71.3
72.8
74.4
75.9
77.5
8.0
9.6
11.1
12.7
14.2
15.8
17.3
18.9
20.4
22.0
23.5
25.0
26.6
28.1
29.7
31.2
32.8
34.3
35.9
37.4
39.0
40.5
42.1
43.6
45.1
46.7
48.2
49.8
51.3
52.9
54.4
56.0
57.5
59.1
60.6
62.1
63.7
65.2
66.8
68.3
69.9
71.4
73.0
74.5
76.1
77.6
8.2
9.7
11.3
12.8
14.4
15.9
17.5
19.0
20.6
22.1
23.7
25.2
26.7
28.3
29.8
31.4
32.9
34.5
36.0
37.6
39.1
40.7
42.2
43.8
45.3
46.8
48.4
49.9
51.5
53.0
54.6
56.1
57.7
59.2
60.8
62.3
63.8
65.4
66.9
68.5
70.0
71.6
73.1
74.7
76.2
77.8
8.3
9.9
11.4
13.0
14.5
16.1
17.6
19.2
20.7
22.3
23.8
25.4
26.9
28.4
30.0
31.5
33.1
34.6
36.2
37.7
39.3
40.8
42.4
43.9
45.5
47.0
48.5
50.1
51.6
53.2
54.7
56.3
57.8
59.4
60.9
62.5
64.0
65.6
67.1
68.6
70.2
71.7
73.3
74.8
76.4
77.9
8.5
10.0
11.6
13.1
14.7
16.2
17.8
19.3
20.9
22.4
24.0
25.5
27.1
28.6
30.1
31.7
33.2
34.8
36.3
37.9
39.4
41.0
42.5
44.1
45.6
47.2
48.7
50.2
51.8
53.3
54.9
56.4
58.0
59.5
61.1
62.6
64.2
65.7
67.3
68.8
70.3
71.9
73.4
75.0
76.5
78.1
8.7
10.2
11.7
13.3
14.8
16.4
17.9
19.5
21.0
22.6
24.1
25.7
27.2
28.8
30.3
31.8
33.4
34.9
36.5
38.0
39.6
41.1
42.7
44.2
45.8
47.3
48.9
50.4
51.9
53.5
55.0
56.6
58.1
59.7
61.2
62.8
64.3
65.9
67.4
69.0
70.5
72.0
73.6
75.1
76.7
78.2
8.8
10.4
11.9
13.5
15.0
16.5
18.1
19.6
21.2
22.7
24.3
25.8
27.4
28.9
30.5
32.0
33.5
35.1
36.6
38.2
39.7
41.3
42.8
44.4
45.9
47.5
49.0
50.6
52.1
53.6
55.2
56.7
58.3
59.8
61.4
62.9
64.5
66.0
67.6
69.1
70.7
72.2
73.7
75.3
76.8
78.4
Prepared by multiplying the BAF 30 Plot Radius Factor 1.546 * DBH.
For example, if DBH = 14.3 inches, then 14.3 * 1.546 = 22.
J-3
9.0
10.5
12.1
13.6
15.2
16.7
18.2
19.8
21.3
22.9
24.4
26.0
27.5
29.1
30.6
32.2
33.7
35.2
36.8
38.3
39.9
41.4
43.0
44.5
46.1
47.6
49.2
50.7
52.3
53.8
55.3
56.9
58.4
60.0
61.5
63.1
64.6
66.2
67.7
69.3
70.8
72.4
73.9
75.4
77.0
78.5
9.1
10.7
12.2
13.8
15.3
16.9
18.4
19.9
21.5
23.0
24.6
26.1
27.7
29.2
30.8
32.3
33.9
35.4
36.9
38.5
40.0
41.6
43.1
44.7
46.2
47.8
49.3
50.9
52.4
54.0
55.5
57.0
58.6
60.1
61.7
63.2
64.8
66.3
67.9
69.4
71.0
72.5
74.1
75.6
77.1
78.7
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-4: BAF 40 Plot Radii in Feet and Tenths of Feet from Plot Center to Face of Tree at DBH for 0%
Slope
Inches
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
6.7
8.0
9.3
10.7
12.0
13.3
14.7
16.0
17.3
18.7
20.0
21.3
22.7
24.0
25.3
26.7
28.0
29.3
30.7
32.0
33.3
34.7
36.0
37.3
38.7
40.0
41.3
42.7
44.0
45.3
46.7
48.0
49.3
50.7
52.0
53.3
54.7
56.0
57.3
58.7
60.0
61.3
62.7
64.0
65.3
66.7
6.8
8.1
9.5
10.8
12.1
13.5
14.8
16.1
17.5
18.8
20.1
21.5
22.8
24.1
25.5
26.8
28.1
29.5
30.8
32.1
33.5
34.8
36.1
37.5
38.8
40.1
41.5
42.8
44.1
45.5
46.8
48.1
49.5
50.8
52.1
53.5
54.8
56.1
57.5
58.8
60.1
61.5
62.8
64.1
65.5
66.8
6.9
8.3
9.6
10.9
12.3
13.6
14.9
16.3
17.6
18.9
20.3
21.6
22.9
24.3
25.6
26.9
28.3
29.6
30.9
32.3
33.6
34.9
36.3
37.6
38.9
40.3
41.6
42.9
44.3
45.6
46.9
48.2
49.6
50.9
52.2
53.6
54.9
56.2
57.6
58.9
60.2
61.6
62.9
64.2
65.6
66.6
7.1
8.4
9.7
11.1
12.4
13.7
15.1
16.4
17.7
19.1
20.4
21.7
23.1
24.4
25.7
27.1
28.4
29.7
31.1
32.4
33.7
35.1
36.4
37.7
39.1
40.4
41.7
43.1
44.4
45.7
47.1
48.4
49.7
51.1
52.4
53.7
55.1
56.4
57.7
59.1
60.4
61.7
63.1
64.4
65.7
67.0
7.2
8.5
9.9
11.2
12.5
13.9
15.2
16.5
17.9
19.2
20.5
21.9
23.2
24.5
25.9
27.2
28.5
29.9
31.2
32.5
33.9
35.2
36.5
37.9
39.2
40.5
41.9
43.2
44.5
45.9
47.2
48.5
49.9
51.2
52.5
53.9
55.2
56.5
57.9
59.2
60.5
61.9
63.2
64.5
65.9
67.2
7.3
8.7
10.0
11.3
12.7
14.0
15.3
16.7
18.0
19.3
20.7
22.0
23.3
24.7
26.0
27.3
28.7
30.0
31.3
32.7
34.0
35.3
36.7
38.0
39.3
40.7
42.0
43.3
44.7
46.0
47.3
48.7
50.0
51.3
52.7
54.0
55.3
56.7
58.0
59.3
60.7
62.0
63.3
64.7
66.0
67.3
7.5
8.8
10.1
11.5
12.8
14.1
15.5
16.8
18.1
19.5
20.8
22.1
23.5
24.8
26.1
27.5
28.8
30.1
31.5
32.8
34.1
35.5
36.8
38.1
39.5
40.8
42.1
43.5
44.8
46.1
47.5
48.8
50.1
51.5
52.8
54.1
55.5
56.8
58.1
59.5
60.8
62.1
63.5
64.8
66.1
67.4
7.6
8.9
10.3
11.6
12.9
14.3
15.6
16.9
18.3
19.6
20.9
22.3
23.6
24.9
26.3
27.6
28.9
30.3
31.6
32.9
34.3
35.6
36.9
38.3
39.6
40.9
42.3
43.6
44.9
46.3
47.6
48.9
50.3
51.6
52.9
54.3
55.6
56.9
58.3
59.6
60.9
62.3
63.6
64.9
66.3
67.6
Prepared by multiplying the BAF 40 Plot Radius Factor 1.333 * DBH.
For Example if DBH = 14.3 inches, then 14.3 * 1.333 = 19.1 feet.
J-4
7.7
9.1
10.4
11.7
13.1
14.4
15.7
17.1
18.4
19.7
21.1
22.4
23.7
25.1
26.4
27.7
29.1
30.4
31.7
33.1
34.4
35.7
37.1
38.4
39.7
41.1
42.4
43.7
45.1
46.4
47.7
49.1
50.4
51.7
53.1
54.4
55.7
57.1
58.4
59.7
61.1
62.4
63.7
65.1
66.4
67.7
7.9
9.2
10.5
11.9
13.2
14.5
15.9
17.2
18.5
19.9
21.2
22.5
23.9
25.2
26.5
27.9
29.2
30.5
31.9
33.2
34.5
35.9
37.2
38.5
39.9
41.2
42.5
43.9
45.2
46.5
47.9
49.2
50.5
51.9
53.2
54.5
55.9
57.2
58.5
59.9
61.2
62.5
63.9
65.2
66.5
67.8
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-5: BAF 60 Plot Radii in Feet and Tenths of Feet from Plot Center to Face of Tree at DBH for 0%
Slope
Inches
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
5.4
6.5
7.6
8.6
9.7
10.8
11.9
13.0
14.1
15.1
16.2
17.3
18.4
19.5
20.5
21.6
22.7
23.8
24.9
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.3
31.3
32.4
33.5
34.6
35.7
36.8
37.8
38.9
40.0
41.1
42.2
43.2
44.3
45.4
46.5
47.6
48.6
49.7
50.8
51.9
53.0
54.1
5.5
6.6
7.7
8.8
9.8
10.9
12.0
13.1
14.2
15.2
16.3
17.4
18.5
19.6
20.6
21.7
22.8
23.9
25.0
26.1
27.1
28.2
29.3
30.4
31.5
32.5
33.6
34.7
35.8
36.9
37.9
39.0
40.1
41.2
42.3
43.3
44.4
45.5
46.6
47.7
48.8
49.8
50.9
52.0
53.1
54.2
5.6
6.7
7.8
8.9
9.9
11.0
12.1
13.2
14.3
15.4
16.4
17.5
18.6
19.7
20.8
21.8
22.9
24.0
25.1
26.2
27.2
28.3
29.4
30.5
31.6
32.6
33.7
34.8
35.9
37.0
38.1
39.1
40.2
41.3
42.4
43.5
44.5
45.6
46.7
47.8
48.9
49.9
51.0
52.1
53.2
54.3
5.7
6.8
7.9
9.0
10.1
11.1
12.2
13.3
14.4
15.5
16.5
17.6
18.7
19.8
20.9
21.9
23.0
24.1
25.2
26.3
27.3
28.4
29.5
30.6
31.7
32.8
33.8
34.9
36.0
37.1
38.2
39.2
40.3
41.4
42.5
43.6
44.6
45.7
46.8
47.9
49.0
50.1
51.1
52.2
53.3
54.4
5.8
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.2
12.3
13.4
14.5
15.6
16.6
17.7
18.8
19.9
21.0
22.1
23.1
24.2
25.3
26.4
27.5
28.5
29.6
30.7
31.8
32.9
33.9
35.0
36.1
37.2
38.3
39.3
40.4
41.5
42.6
43.7
44.8
45.8
46.9
48.0
49.1
50.2
51.2
52.3
53.4
54.5
5.9
7.0
8.1
9.2
10.3
11.4
12.4
13.5
14.6
15.7
16.8
17.8
18.9
20.0
21.1
22.2
23.2
24.3
25.4
26.5
27.6
28.6
29.7
30.8
31.9
33.0
34.1
35.1
36.2
37.3
38.4
39.5
40.5
41.6
42.7
43.8
44.9
45.9
47.0
48.1
49.2
50.3
51.3
52.4
53.5
54.6
6.1
7.1
8.2
9.3
10.4
11.5
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
17.9
19.0
20.1
21.2
22.3
23.3
24.4
25.5
26.6
27.7
28.8
29.8
30.9
32.0
33.1
34.2
35.2
36.3
37.4
38.5
39.6
40.6
41.7
42.8
43.9
45.0
46.1
47.1
48.2
49.3
50.4
51.5
52.5
53.6
54.7
6.2
7.2
8.3
9.4
10.5
11.6
12.6
13.7
14.8
15.9
17.0
18.1
19.1
20.2
21.3
22.4
23.5
24.5
25.6
26.7
27.8
28.9
29.9
31.0
32.1
33.2
34.3
35.3
36.4
37.5
38.6
39.7
40.8
41.8
42.9
44.0
45.1
46.2
47.2
48.3
49.4
50.5
51.6
52.6
53.7
54.8
Prepared by multiplying the BAF 60 Plot Radius Factor 1.081 * DBH.
For Example, if DBH = 14.3 inches, then 14.3 * 1.081 = 15.5 feet.
J-5
6.3
7.4
8.4
9.5
10.6
11.7
12.8
13.8
14.9
16.0
17.1
18.2
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.6
24.6
25.7
26.8
27.9
29.0
30.1
31.1
32.2
33.3
34.4
35.5
36.5
37.6
38.7
39.8
40.9
41.9
43.0
44.1
45.2
46.3
47.3
48.4
49.5
50.6
51.7
52.8
53.8
54.9
6.4
7.5
8.5
9.6
10.7
11.8
12.9
13.9
15.0
16.1
17.2
18.3
19.3
20.4
21.5
22.6
23.7
24.8
25.8
26.9
28.0
29.1
30.2
31.2
32.3
33.4
34.5
35.6
36.6
37.7
38.8
39.9
41.0
42.1
43.1
44.2
45.3
46.4
47.5
48.5
49.6
50.7
51.8
52.9
53.9
55.0
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-6: Limiting Distance to Face of Tree and Slope Correction Factors for Various Basal Area Factors
This table provides an expanded list of slope correction factors to the face of the tree for use with
various basal area factors. To use the table, measure the slope and the distance from plot-center to
the face of the tree at DBH. To obtain the corrected limiting distance to a tree multiply the trees
DBH by the “combined factor” shown under the appropriate BAF heading.
% of Slope Correction
Slope
Factor
1
1.00000
2
1.00020
3
1.00045
4
1.00080
5
1.00125
6
1.00180
7
1.00245
8
1.00319
9
1.00404
10
1.00499
11
1.00603
12
1.00717
13
1.00841
14
1.00975
15
1.01119
16
1.01272
17
1.01435
18
1.01607
19
1.01789
20
1.01980
21
1.02181
22
1.02391
23
1.02611
24
1.02840
25
1.03078
26
1.03325
27
1.03581
28
1.03846
29
1.04120
30
1.04403
31
1.04695
32
1.04995
33
1.05304
34
1.05622
35
1.05948
36
1.06283
37
1.06626
38
1.06977
39
1.07336
40
1.07703
41
1.08079
42
1.08462
5 BAF
3.847
3.848
3.849
3.850
3.852
3.854
3.856
3.859
3.863
3.866
3.870
3.875
3.879
3.884
3.890
3.896
3.902
3.909
3.916
3.923
3.931
3.939
3.947
3.956
3.965
3.975
3.985
3.995
4.005
4.016
4.028
4.039
4.051
4.063
4.076
4.089
4.102
4.115
4.129
4.143
4.158
4.173
Combined Factor
15 BAF
20 BAF
2.203
1.902
2.203
1.902
2.204
1.903
2.205
1.904
2.206
1.904
2.207
1.905
2.208
1.907
2.210
1.908
2.212
1.910
2.214
1.911
2.216
1.912
2.219
1.916
2.222
1.918
2.224
1.921
2.228
1.923
2.231
1.926
2.235
1.921
2.238
1.933
2.245
1.936
2.245
1.940
2.251
1.943
2.256
1.947
2.261
1.952
2.266
1.956
2.271
1.967
2.276
1.965
2.282
1.970
2.288
1.975
2.294
1.980
2.300
1.986
2.306
1.991
2.313
1.997
2.320
2.003
2.327
2.009
2.334
2.015
2.341
2.022
2.349
2.028
2.357
2.035
2.365
2.042
2.373
2.049
2.381
2.056
2.389
2.063
10 BAF
2.708
2.709
2.709
2.710
2.711
2.713
2.715
2.717
2.719
2.722
2.724
2.727
2.731
2.734
2.738
2.742
2.747
2.752
2.756
2.762
2.767
2.773
2.779
2.785
2.791
2.798
2.805
2.812
2.820
2.827
2.835
2.843
2.852
2.960
2.869
2.878
2.887
2.897
2.907
2.917
2.927
2.937
J-6
30 BAF
1.546
1.546
1.547
1.547
1.548
1.549
1.550
1.551
1.552
1.554
1.555
1.557
1.559
1.567
1.563
1.566
1.568
1.571
1.574
1.577
1.580
1.583
1.586
1.590
1.594
1.597
1.601
1.605
1.610
1.614
1.619
1.623
1.628
1.633
1.638
1.643
1.648
1.654
1.659
1.665
1.671
1.677
40 BAF
1.333
1.333
1.334
1.334
1.335
1.335
1.336
1.337
1.338
1.340
1.341
1.343
1.344
1.346
1.348
1.350
1.352
1.354
1.357
1.359
1.362
1.365
1.368
1.371
1.374
1.377
1.381
1.384
1.388
1.392
1.396
1.400
1.404
1.408
1.412
1.417
4.421
1.426
1.431
1.436
1.441
1.446
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-6: (cont)
% of Slope Correction
Slope
Factor
43
1.08853
44
1.09252
45
1.09659
46
1.10073
47
1.10494
48
1.10923
49
1.11360
50
1.11803
51
1.12254
52
1.12712
53
1.13177
54
1.13649
55
1.14127
56
1.14612
57
1.15104
58
1.15603
59
1.16108
60
1.16619
61
1.17137
62
1.17661
63
1.18191
64
1.18727
65
1.19269
66
1.19817
67
1.20370
68
1.20930
69
1.21949
70
1.22066
71
1.22642
72
1.23223
73
1.23810
74
1.24403
75
1.25000
76
1.25603
77
1.26210
78
1.26823
79
1.27440
80
1.28062
81
1.28690
82
1.29321
83
1.29958
84
1.30599
85
1.31244
86
1.31894
87
1.32548
88
1.33207
89
1.33870
90
1.34536
91
1.35207
5 BAF
4.188
4.203
4.219
4.235
4.251
4.267
4.284
4.301
4.318
4.336
4.354
4.372
4.390
4.409
4.428
4.447
4.467
4.486
4.506
4.526
4.547
4.567
4.588
4.609
4.631
4.652
4.691
4.696
4.718
4.740
4.763
4.786
4.809
4.832
4.855
4.879
4.903
4.927
4.951
4.975
4.999
5.024
5.049
5.074
5.099
5.124
5.150
5.176
5.201
Combined Factor
15 BAF
20 BAF
2.398
2.070
2.407
2.078
2.416
2.086
2.425
2.094
2.434
2.102
2.444
2.110
2.453
2.118
2.463
2.126
2.473
2.135
2.483
2.144
2.493
2.153
2.504
2.162
2.514
2.171
2.525
2.180
2.536
2.189
2.547
2.199
2.558
2.208
2.569
2.218
2.581
2.228
2.592
2.238
2.604
2.248
2.616
2.258
2.627
2.268
2.640
2.279
2.652
2.289
2.664
2.300
2.687
2.319
2.689
2.322
2.702
2.333
2.715
2.344
2.728
2.355
2.741
2.366
2.754
2.378
2.767
2.389
2.780
2.401
2.794
2.412
2.808
2.424
2.821
2.436
2.835
2.448
2.849
2.460
2.863
2.472
2.877
2.484
2.891
2.496
2.906
2.509
2.920
2.521
2.935
2.534
2.949
2.546
2.964
2.559
2.979
2.572
10 BAF
2.948
2.959
2.970
2.981
2.992
3.004
3.016
3.028
3.040
3.052
3.065
3.078
3.091
3.104
3.117
3.131
3.144
3.158
3.172
3.186
3.201
3.215
3.230
3.245
3.260
3.275
3.302
3.306
3.321
3.337
3.353
3.369
3.385
3.401
3.418
3.434
3.451
3.468
3.485
3.502
3.519
3.537
3.554
3.572
3.589
3.607
3.625
3.643
3.661
J-7
30 BAF
1.683
1.689
1.695
1.702
1.708
1.715
1.723
1.728
1.735
1.743
1.750
1.757
1.764
1.772
1.780
1.788
1.795
1.803
1.811
1.819
1.827
1.836
1.844
1.852
1.861
1.870
1.885
1.887
1.896
1.905
1.914
1.923
1.933
1.942
1.951
1.961
1.970
1.980
1.990
1.999
2.009
2.019
2.029
2.039
2.049
2.059
2.070
2.080
2.090
40 BAF
1.451
1.456
1.462
1.467
1.473
1.479
1.484
1.490
1.496
1.502
1.509
1.515
1.521
1.528
1.534
1.541
1.548
1.555
1.561
1.568
1.575
1.583
1.590
1.597
1.605
1.612
1.626
1.627
1.635
1.643
1.650
1.658
1.666
1.674
1.682
1.691
1.699
1.707
1.715
1.724
1.732
1.741
1.749
1.758
1.767
1.776
1.784
1.793
1.802
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-6: (cont)
% of Slope Correction
Slope
Factor
92
1.35882
93
1.36561
94
1.37244
95
1.37931
96
1.38622
97
1.39316
98
1.40014
99
1.40716
100
1.41421
102
1.42843
103
1.43558
104
1.44278
105
1.45000
106
1.45726
107
1.46455
108
1.47187
109
1.47922
110
1.48661
111
1.49402
112
1.50147
113
1.50894
114
1.51644
115
1.52498
116
1.53154
117
1.53912
118
1.54674
119
1.55438
120
1.56205
121
1.56975
122
1.57747
123
1.58521
124
1.59298
125
1.60078
126
1.60860
127
1.61645
128
1.62432
129
1.63221
130
1.64012
131
1.64806
132
1.65602
133
1.66400
134
1.67200
135
1.68003
136
1.68808
137
1.69614
138
1.70423
139
1.71234
140
1.72047
141
1.72861
5 BAF
5.227
5.254
5.280
5.306
5.333
5.359
5.386
5.413
5.440
5.495
5.523
5.550
5.578
5.606
5.634
5.662
5.691
5.719
5.747
5.776
5.805
5.834
5.863
5.892
5.921
5.950
5.980
6.000
6.039
6.069
6.098
6.128
6.158
6.188
6.218
6.249
6.279
6.310
6.340
4.370
6.401
6.432
6.463
6.494
6.525
6.556
6.587
6.619
6.650
Combined Factor
15 BAF
20 BAF
2.993
2.584
3.008
2.597
3.023
2.610
3.039
2.623
3.054
2.637
3.069
2.650
3.085
2.663
3.100
2.676
3.116
2.690
3.147
2.717
3.163
5.730
3.178
2.744
3.194
2.758
3.210
2.772
3.226
2.786
3.243
2.799
3.259
2.813
3.275
2.828
3.291
2.842
3.308
2.856
3.324
2.870
3.341
2.884
3.357
2.899
3.374
2.913
3.391
2.927
3.407
2.942
3.424
2.956
3.441
2.971
3.458
2.985
3.475
3.000
3.492
3.015
3.509
3.030
3.527
3.045
3.544
3.060
3.561
3.074
3.578
3.089
3.595
3.104
3.613
3.120
3.631
3.135
3.648
3.150
3.666
3.165
3.683
3.180
3.701
3.195
3.719
3.211
3.737
3.226
3.754
3.241
3.772
3.257
3.790
3.272
3.808
3.288
10 BAF
3.680
3.698
3.717
3.735
3.754
3.773
3.792
3.811
3.830
3.868
3.888
3.907
3.927
3.946
3.966
3.986
4.006
4.026
4.046
4.066
4.086
4.107
4.127
4.147
4.168
4.189
4.209
4.230
4.251
4.272
4.293
4.314
4.335
4.356
4.377
4.399
4.420
4.441
4.463
4.485
4.506
4.528
4.550
4.571
4.593
4.615
4.637
4.659
4.681
J-8
30 BAF
2.101
2.111
2.122
2.132
2.143
2.154
2.165
2.175
2.186
2.208
2.219
2.231
2.242
2.253
2.264
2.276
2.287
2.298
2.310
2.321
2.333
2.344
2.356
2.368
2.379
2.391
2.403
2.415
2.427
2.439
2.451
2.463
2.475
2.487
2.499
2.511
2.523
2.536
2.546
2.560
2.573
2.585
2.597
2.261
2.622
2.635
2.647
2.660
2.672
40 BAF
1.811
1.820
1.829
1.839
1.848
1.857
1.866
1.876
1.885
1.904
1.914
1.923
1.933
1.943
1.952
1.962
1.972
1.982
1.992
2.001
2.011
2.021
2.031
2.042
2.052
2.062
2.072
2.082
2.092
2.103
2.113
2.123
2.134
2.144
2.155
2.165
2.176
2.186
2.197
2.207
2.218
2.229
2.239
2.250
2.261
2.272
2.283
2.293
2.304
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix J: Variable Radius Plot
Table J-6: (cont)
% of Slope Correction
Slope
Factor
142
1.73678
143
1.74497
144
1.75317
145
1.76139
146
1.76963
147
1.77789
148
1.78617
149
1.79446
5 BAF
6.681
6.713
6.744
6.776
6.808
6.840
6.871
6.903
Combined Factor
15 BAF
20 BAF
3.826
3.303
3.844
3.319
3.862
3.335
3.880
3.350
3.898
3.366
3.917
3.382
3.935
3.397
3.953
3.413
10 BAF
4.703
4.725
4.748
4.770
4.792
4.815
4.837
4.859
J-9
30 BAF
2.685
2.698
2.710
2.723
2.736
2.749
2.761
2.774
40 BAF
2.315
2.326
2.337
2.348
2.359
2.370
2.381
2.392
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
APPENDIX K: DAMAGE CATEGORIES, AGENTS,
SEVERITY RATINGS, AND TREE PARTS
Damage Categories
Code
Description
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
30
40
41
42
50
60
70
71
80
90
99
General Insects
Bark Beetles
Defoliators
Chewing Insects
Sucking Insects
Boring Insects
Seed/Cone/Flower/Fruit Insects
Gallmaker Insects
Insect Predators
General Diseases
Biotic Damage
Root/Butt diseases
Stem Decays/Cankers
Parasitic/Epiphytic Plants
Decline Complexes/Dieback/Wilts
Foliage Diseases
Stem Rusts
Broom Rusts
Fire
Animal damage, source unknown
Wild animals
Domestic Animals
Abiotic Damage
Competition
Human Activities
Harvest
Multi-Damage (Insect-Disease)
Unknown
Physical Effects
K-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents
Category Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
10
000
General Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Thrips
007
Clerid beetle
Cleridae
009
Green Rose Chafer
Dichelonyx backi
017
Bagworm moth
Psychidae
019
Scarab
Scarabaeidae
021
Unknown
Steremnius carinatus
023
Wood wasps
Siricidae spp.
11
000
Bark Beetles
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Unsuccessful bole attack: pitchout and beetle brood absent
2 = Strip attacks: galleries and brood present
3 = Successful current bole attack: galleries and brood present
4 = Topkill
5 = Successful attack last year
6 = Older dead
001
Roundheaded pine beetle
Dendroctonus adjunctus
002
Western pine beetle
Dendroctonus brevicomis
005
Lodgepole pine beetle
Dendroctonus murrayanae
006
Mountain pine beetle
Dendroctonus ponderosae
007
Douglas-fir beetle
Dendroctonus pseudotsugae
009
Spruce beetle
Dendroctonus rufipennis
012
Red turpentine beetle
Dendroctonus valens
013
unknown
Dryocoetes affaber
015
Western balsam bark beetle
Dryocoetes confusus
016
unknown
Dryocoetes sechelti
017
Ash bark beetles
Hylesinus spp.
018
Native elm bark beetle
Hylurgopinus rufipes
021
Sixspined ips
Ips calligraphus
022
Emarginate ips
Ips emarginatus
024
unknown
Ips latidens
026
Monterey pine ips
Ips mexicanus
028
Northern spruce engraver beetle
Ips perturbatus
029
Pine engraver
Ips pini
030
Ips engraver beetles
Ips spp.
031
unknown
Ips tridens
032
Western ash bark beetle
Leperisinus californicus
034
unknown
Orthotomicus caelatus
035
Cedar bark beetles
Phleosinus spp.
036
Western cedar bark beetle
Phloeosinus punctatus
037
Tip beetles
Pityogenes spp.
038
Douglas-fir twig beetle
Pityophthorus pseudotsugae
K-2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
11 (cont.)
Agent
Common Name
039
Twig beetles
040
Foureyed spruce beetle
041
Fir root bark beetle
042
uknown
043
Douglas-fir pole beetle
044
Silver fir beetle
045
Small European elm bark beetle
046
Spruce engraver
048
True fir bark beetles
049
Douglas-fir engraver
050
Fir engraver
053
Four-eyed bark beetle
054
Hemlock beetle
12
000
Defoliators
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Light defoliation (1-25%), no topkill
2 = Light defoliation (1-25%), topkill ≤10%
3 = Light defoliation (1-25%), topkill >10%
4 = Moderate defoliation (26-75%), no topkill
5 = Moderate defoliation (26-75%), topkill ≤10%
6 = Moderate defoliation (26-75%), topkill >10%
7 = Heavy defoliation (76-100%), no topkill
8 = Heavy defoliation (76-100%), topkill ≤10%
9 = Heavy defoliation (76-100%), topkill >10%
001
Casebearer
003
Looper
005
Sawfly
007
Larger elm leaf beetle
008
Spanworm
011
Western blackheaded budworm
013
Whitefly
014
Fall cankerworm
015
Alder flea beetle
016
Mountain mahogany looper
018
Oak worms
020
Western larch sawfly
021
Fruit tree leafroller
022
Uglynest caterpillar
023
Boxelder defoliator
030
Pear sawfly
033
Boxelder leafroller
035
Spruce webspinning sawfly
036
Two-year budworm
037
Large aspen tortrix
039
Sugar pine tortrix
040
Western spruce budworm
K-3
Scientific Name
Pityophthorus spp.
Polygraphus rufipennis
Pseudohylesinum granulates
Pseudohylesinus dispar
Pseudohylesinus nebulosus
Pseudohylesinus sericeus
Scolytus multistriatus
Scolytus piceae
Scolytus spp.
Scolytus unispinosus
Scolytus ventralis
Polygraphus spp.
Pseudohylesinus tsugae
Monocesta coryli
Acleris gloverana
Aleyrodoidae
Alsophila pometaria
Altica ambiens
Anacamptodes clivinaria profanata
Anisota spp.
Anoplonyx occidens
Archips argyrospila
Archips cerasivorana
Archips negundanus
Caliroa cerasi
Caloptilia negundella
Cephalcia fascipennis
Choristoneura biennis
Choristoneura conflictana
Choristoneura lambertiana
Choristoneura occidentalis
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
12 (cont.)
Agent
043
044
045
046
047
049
050
051
052
053
054
055
089
058
059
060
061
066
071
072
073
074
077
082
083
085
086
087
088
090
094
096
098
099
102
104
106
109
115
116
117
118
120
121
122
123
Common Name
Aspen leaf beetle
Cottonwood leaf beetle
Leafhopper
Poplar tentmaker
Larch casebearer
Lodgepole needleminer
Ponderosa needleminer
Black Hills pandora moth
Pandora moth
Sycamore lace bug
Lace bugs
Oak leaftier
Gypsy moth
Yellownecked caterpillar
Walkingstick
Spruce coneworm
Introduced pine sawfly
White fir needleminer
Elm leafminer
Geometrid moth
Leafblotch miner
Spotted tussock moth
Brown day moth
Fall webworm
Hemlock looper
Tent caterpillar moth
Satin moth
Willow leafblotch miner
Aspen blotchminer
Cottonwood leafminers
Western tent caterpillar
Forest tent caterpillar
Leafcutting bees
Blister beetle
Willow sawfly
Lodgepole sawfly
Pine infesting sawflies
Ponderosa pine sawfly
Hemlock sawfly
Pine butterfly
False hemlock looper
California tortoiseshell
Bruce spanworm
Rusty tussock moth
Whitemarked tussock moth
Douglas-fir tussock moth
K-4
Scientific Name
Chrysomela crotchi
Chrysomela scripta
Cicadellidae
Clostera inclusa
Coleophora laricella
Coleotechnites milleri
Coleotechnites spp.
Coloradia doris
Coloradia pandora
Corythucha ciliate
Corythucha spp.
Croesia semipurpurana
Lymantria dispar
Datana ministra
Diapheromera femorata
Dioryctria reniculelloides
Diprion similis
Epinotia meritana
Fenusa ulmi
Geometridae
Gracillariidae
Halisidota maculata
Hemileuca eglanterina
Hyphantria cunea
Lambdina fiscellaria
Lasiocampidae
Leucoma salicis
Lithocolletis spp.
Lithocolletis tremuloidiella
Lyonetia spp.
Malacosoma californicum
Malacosoma disstria
Megachilidae
Meloidae
Nematus spp.
Neodiprion burkei
Neodiprion fulviceps
Neodiprion mundus
Neodiprion tsugae
Neophasia menapia
Nepytia canosaria
Nymphalis californica
Operophtera bruceata
Orgyia antique
Orgyia leucostigma
Orgyia pseudotsugata
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
12 (cont.)
Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
124
Western tussock moth
Orgyia vetusta
125
Spring cankerworm
Paleacrita vernata
135
Aspen leafminer
Phyllocnistis populiella
136
Yellowheaded spruce sawfly
Pikonema alaskensis
137
Tenlined June beetle
Polyphylla decemlineata
138
Japanese beetle
Popillia japonica
139
Larch sawfly
Pristiphora erichsonii
140
Mountain-ash sawfly
Pristiphora geniculata
141
Elm leaf beetle
Pyrrhalta luteola
142
Spearmarked black moth
Rheumaptera hastata
143
Giant silkworm moth
Saturniidae
144
Redhumped caterpillar
Schizura concinna
146
Larch looper
Semiothisa sexmaculata
150
Spruce needleminer (west)
Taniva albolineana
154
Bagworm
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
155
Leafroller/seed moth
Tortricidae spp.
156
Willow defoliation
Tortricidae
157
Euonymus caterpillar
Yponomeuta spp.
159
Larch bud moth
Zeiraphera improbana
160
Pine needle sheathminer
Zelleria haimbachi
162
Cottonwood leaf beetle
Chrysomela spp.
164
Saddle-backed looper
Ectropis crepuscularia
165
Leaf roller
Epinotia solandriana
168
Green-striped looper
Melanoplophia imitate
174
Pine looper
Phaeoura mexicanaria
176
unknown
Zadiprion townsendi
177
Douglas-fir budmoth
Zeiraphera hesperiana
179
Phantom hemlock looper
Nepytia phantasmaria
180
Tent caterpillar
Malacossoma spp.
188
Elm sawfly
Cimbex americana
189
June beetles/leaf chafers
Phyllophaga spp.
196
Baldcypress leafroller
Archips goyerana
197
Winter moth
Operophtera
198
Basswood thrips
Neohydatothrips
199
Noctuid moth
Xylomyges simplex (walker)
200
Pyralid moth
Palpita magniferalis
201
Pacific silver fir budmoth
Zeiraphera sp. destitutana
13
000
Chewing Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: bottlebrush or shortened leaders, 0-2 forks on stem, OR <20% of branches affected
2 = Severe: 3 or more forks on bole, OR 20% or more branches affected, OR terminal leader dead
001
Grasshopper
002
Shorthorn grasshoppers
Acrididae
005
Clearwinged grasshopper
Camnula pellucida
006
Cicadas
Cicadidae
007
Eurytomids
Eurytoma spp.
K-5
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
008
Cutworms
Euxoa excellens
010
Pales weevil
Hylobius pales
012
Periodical cicada
Magicicada septendecim
013
Migratory grasshopper
Melanoplus sanguinipes
014
Valley grasshopper
Oedaleonotus enigma
015
Strawberry root weevil
Otiorhyhchus ovatus
020
Northern pitch twig moth
Petrova albicapitana
021
Ponderosa pine tip moth
Rhyacionia zozana
022
Pine needle weevil
Scythropus spp.
025
unknown
Thrips madronii
026
Ash plant bug
Tropidosteptes amoenus
028
Pitch-eating weevil
Pachylobius picivorus
14
000
Sucking Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: bottlebrush or shortened leaders, 0-2 forks on stem, OR <20% of branches affected
2 = Severe: 3 or more forks on bole, OR 20% or more branches affected, OR terminal leader dead
001
Scale insect
002
Western larch woolly aphid
Adelges oregonensis
003
Balsam woolly adelgid
Adelges piceae
004
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Adelges tsugae
006
Aphid
Aphididae
008
Western pine spittlebug
Aphrophora permutata
010
Spittlebug
Cercopidae
012
Pine needle scale
Chionaspis pinifoliae
014
Giant conifer aphids
Cinara spp.
017
Spruce aphid
Elatobium abietinum
018
Woolly apple aphid
Erisoma lanigerum
022
Pine thrips
Gnophothrips spp.
026
Lecanium scale
Lecanium spp.
028
Oystershell scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
029
Pinyon needle scale
Matsucoccus acalyptus
030
Ponderosa pine twig scale
Matsucoccus bisetosus
035
Treehoopers
Membracidae
039
Black pineleaf scale
Nuculaspis californica
040
Spruce spider mite
Oligonychus ununquis
043
Maple aphids
Periphyllus spp.
044
Spruce bud scale
Physokermes piceae
046
Pine leaf adelgid
Pineus pinifoliae
047
White pine adelgid
Pineus spp.
048
Pine bark adelgid
Pineus strobi
049
Root aphid
Prociphilus americanus
050
Mealybug
Pseudococcidae
051
Cottony maple scale
Pulvinaria innumerabilis
052
Fir mealybug
Puto cupressi
061
Pine tortoise scale
Toumeyella parvicornis
063
Birch aphid
Euceraphis betulae
068
European elm scale
Gossyparia spuria
K-6
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
15
000
Boring Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: bottlebrush or shortened leaders, 0-2 forks on stem, OR <20% of branches affected
2 = Severe: 3 or more forks on bole, OR 20% or more branches affected, OR terminal leader dead
001
Shoot borer
002
Termite
003
Ponderosa pine bark borer
Acanthocinus princeps
004
Bronze birch borer
Agrilus anxius
006
Bronze poplar borer
Argilus liragus
010
Carpenter ants
Camponotus spp.
007
Carpenter bees
Apidae
008
Flatheaded borer
Buprestidae
009
Golden buprestid
Buprestis aurulenta
011
Gouty pitch midge
Cecidomyia piniinopis
012
Shootboring sawflies
Cephidae
013
Roundheaded borer
Cerambycidae
014
Flatheaded apple tree borer
Chrysobothris femorata
017
Pitted ambrosia beetle
Corthylus punctatissimus
018
Carpenterworm moths
Cossidae
019
Poplar and willow borer
Cryptorphynchus lapathi
020
Pine reproduction weevil
Cylindrocopturus eatoni
021
Douglas-fir twig weevil
Cylindrocopturus furnissi
027
Ponderous borer
Ergates spiculatus
029
Western pine shoot borer
Eucosma sonomana
030
Eucosma species
Eucosma spp.
034
Warren’s collar weevil
Hylobius warren
035
Powderpost beetle
Lyctidae
036
Tarnished plant bug
Lygus lineolaris
037
unknown
Magdalis spp.
038
White pine bark miner
Marmara fasciella
039
Locust borer
Megacyllene robiniae
040
California flathead borer
Melanophila californica
041
Flatheaded fir borer
Melanophila drummondi
042
Whitespotted sawyer
Monochamus scutellatus
043
Redheaded ash borer
Neoclytus acuminutus
045
Oberea shoot borers
Oberea spp.
048
unknown
Pissodes dubius
050
White pine weevil
Pissodes strobi
051
Lodgepole terminal weevil
Pissodes terminalis
052
Ambrosia beetles
Platypus spp.
053
Cottonwood borer
Plectrodera scalator
056
Ash borer
Podesesia syringae fraxini
057
Lilac borer
Podosesia syringae
058
Carpenterworm
Prionoxystus robiniae
059
Maple shoot borers
Proterteras spp.
060
Western subterranean termite
Reticulitermes hesperus
K-7
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
Common Name
063
European pine shoot moth
064
Western pine tip moth
065
Nantucket pine tip moth
066
Lodgepole pine tip moth
067
Southwestern pine tip moth
070
Saperda shoot borer
071
Clearwing moths
073
Roundheaded fir borer
074
Western larch borer
075
Western cedar borer
076
Douglas-fir pitch moth
077
Sequoia pitch moth
083
Ottonwood twig borer
085
Banded ash borer
16
000
Seed/Cone/Flower/Fruit Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Douglas-fir cone moth
002
Lodgepole cone beetle
003
Limber pine cone beetle
004
Mountain pine cone beetle
005
Ponderosa pine cone beetle
010
Douglas-fir cone midge
011
Cone scale midge
012
Pecan
015
Fir coneworm
017
Pine coneworm
019
Ponderosa twig moth
020
unknown
021
Dioryctria moths
022
Lodgepole cone moth
023
Seed chalcid
025
Cone maggot
027
Ponderosa pine seed worm/moth
028
Spruce seed moth
029
Boxelder bug
031
Western conifer seed bug
033
unknown
034
Spruce seed chalcid
035
Ponderosa pine seed chalcid
036
Fir seed chalcid
037
Douglas-fir seed chalcid
040
Roundheaded cone borer
042
Coneworm
043
Harvester ants
K-8
Scientific Name
Rhyacionia buoliana
Rhyacionia bushnelli
Rhyacionia frustrana
Rhyacionia Montana
Rhyacionia neomexicana
Saperda spp.
Sesiidae
Tetropium abietis
Tetropium velutinum
Trachykele blondeli
Vespamima novaroensis
Vespamima sequoia
Gypsonama haimbachiana
Neoclytus capraea
Barbara colfaxiana
Conophthorus contortae
Conophthorus flexilis
Conophthorus monticolae
Conophthorus ponderosae
Contarinia oregonensis
Contarinia washingtonensis
Curculio spp.
Dioryctria abietivorella
Dioryctria auranticella
Dioryctria ponderosae
Dioryctria pseudotsugella
Dioryctria spp.
Eucosma rescissoriana
Eurytomidae
Hylemya anthracina
Laspeyresia piperana
Laspeyresia youngana
Leptocoris trivittatus
Leptoglossus occidentalis
Magastigmus lasiocarpae
Magastigmus piceae
Megastigmus albifrons
Megastigmus pinus
Megastigmus spermotrophs
Paratimia conicola
Phycitidae
Pogonomyrmex spp.
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
16 (cont.)
Agent
Common Name
048
Coneworm
049
Prairie tent caterpillar
17
000
Gallmaker Insects
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
003
Cooley spruce gall adelgid
006
Gall midge
007
Douglas-fir needle gall midge
008
Gall mite
009
Spruce gall midge
013
Gall aphid
014
Alder gall mite
015
Psyllid
018
Gouty pitch midge
019
Spider mites
18
000
Insect Predators
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Lacewing
002
Blackbellied clerid
003
Redbellied clerid
005
Western yellowjacket
19
000
General Diseases
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
20
000
Biotic Damage
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Damping off
002
Gray mold
K-9
Scientific Name
Hylemia spp.
Malacosoma lutescens
Adelges cooleyi
Cecidomyiidae
Contarinia pseudotsugae
Eriophyidae
Mayetiola piceae
Phylloxeridae
Phytoptus laevis
Psyllidae
Cedidomyia piniinopsis
Oligonychus spp.
Enoclerus lecontei
Enoclerus sphegeus
Vespula pennsylvanica
Botrytis cinerea
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
21
000
Root/Butt Diseases
SEVERITY RATING for trees
1 = Tree within 30 feet of tree with deteriorating crown, tree with diagnostic symptoms or signs, or
tree killed by root disease
2 = Pathogen (sign) or diagnostic symptom detected - no crown deterioration
3 = Crown deterioration detected - no diagnostic symptoms or signs
4 = Both crown deterioration and diagnostic signs symptoms detected
5 = Bleeding present on bole
6 = Bleeding present on bole and adjacent mortality present
7 = Laboratory confirmed Sudden Oak Death
SEVERITY RATING for Setting Level
G2 =
Minor evidence of RDS on plot
G3 =
RDS present, canopy reduction less then 20%
G4 =
RDS present, canopy reduction 20-30 %
G5 =
RDS present, canopy reduction 30-50%
G6 =
RDS present, canopy reduction 50-57%, most ground area infested
G7 =
RDS present, 76+% canopy reduction
G8 =
Entire area infested with RDS, one or very few susceptible overstory trees
G9 = Entire area infested with RDS, no susceptible overstory trees present
001
Armillaria root disease
Armillaria spp.
003
Cylindrocladium root disease
Cylindrocladium spp.
004
Brown crumbly rot
Fomitopsis pinicola
006
Fusarium root rot
Fusarium spp.
007
White mottled rot
Ganoderma applanatum
009
Ganoderma rot of conifers
Ganoderma tsugae
010
Annosus root disease
Heterobasidion annosum
012
Tomentosus root disease
Inonotus tomentosus
014
Black stain root disease
Ophiostoma wageneri
015
Schweinitzii butt rot
Phaeolus schweinitzii
017
Laminated root rot
Phellinus weirii
022
Pythium root rot
Pythium spp.
026
Yellow pitted rot
Hericium abietis
22
000
Stem Decays/Cankers
SEVERITY RATING
0 = 0-4% rotten
1 = 5-15% rotten
2 = 16-25% rotten
3 = 26-35% rotten
4 = 36-45% rotten
5 = 46-55% rotten
6 = 56-65% rotten
7 = 66-75% rotten
8 = 76-85% rotten
9 = 86-100% rotten
001
Heart rot
002
Stem rot
003
Sap rot
K-10
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
006
007
012
024
025
026
027
028
029
035
036
Common Name
Black knot of cherry
Atropellis canker
Black canker of aspen
Gray-brown saprot
Cryptosphaeria canker of aspen
Cytospora canker of fir
Western red rot
Rust-red stringy rot
Sooty-bark canker
Amelanchier rust
Cedar apple rust
038
Hypoxylon canker of aspen
040
Sterile conk trunk rot of birch
047
Red ring rot
048
Aspen trunk rot
051
Phomopsis canker
057
Cytospora canker of aspen
059
Red belt fungus
062
Brown heartrot
063
unknown
064
Tinder fungus
065
Purple conk
066
Pinyon black stain
067
unknown
068
False tinder fungus
070
Yellow cap fungus
071
Oyster mushroom
074
Cedar brown pocket rot
075
Lanchnellula canker
076
Strumella canker
077
Phomopsis blight
23
000
Parasitic/Epiphytic Plants
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 1; light infection
2 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 2; light infection
3 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 3; medium infection
4 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 4; medium infection
5 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 5; heavy infection
6 = Hawksworth tree DMR rating = 6; heavy infection
7 = Vine damage: less than 50% of crown involved
8 = Vine damage: 50% or more of crown involved
001
Mistletoe
003
Vine damage
006
Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe
008
Western dwarf mistletoe
K-11
Scientific Name
Apiosporina morbosa
Atropellis piniphila
Ceratocystis fimbriata
Cryptoporus volvatus
Cryptosphaeria populina
Cytospora abietis
Dichomitus squalens
Echinodontium tinctorium
Encoelia pruinosa
Gymnosporangium harknessianum
Gymnosporangium juniperivirginianae
Hypoxylon mammatum
Inonotus obliquus
Phellinus pini
Phellinus tremulae
Phomopsis spp.
Cytospora chrysosperma
Fomitopsis pinicola
Fomitopsis officinalis
Coniophora puteana
Fomes fomentarius
Hirschioporus abietinus
Leptographium wagnerii
Phellinus hartigii
Phellinus igniarius
Pholiota spp.
Pleurotus ostreatus
Poria sericeomollis
Lachnellula flavoirens
Strumella coryneoidea
Phomopsis juniperovora
Arceuthobium americanum
Arceuthobium campylopodum
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
23 (cont.)
Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
009
Limber pine dwarf mistletoe
Arceuthobium cyanocarpum
011
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe
Arceuthobium douglasii
013
Larch dwarf mistletoe
Arceuthobium laricis
24
000 Decline Complexes/Dieback/Wilts
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: minor crown symptoms
2 = Severe: severe crown symptoms
004
Ash decline/yellow
022
Dutch elm disease
Ceratocystis ulmi
25
000
Foliage Diseases
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: <20% of foliage affected or <20% of crown in brooms
2 = Severe: >20% of foliage affected or >20% of crown in brooms
001
Blight
002
Broom rust
003
Juniper blights
004
Leaf spots
005
Needlecast
006
Powdery mildew
009
True fir needlecast
013
Large-pored spruce-laborador tea rust
Chrysomyxa ledicola
014
Ink spot of aspen
Ciborinia whetzelii
015
Pine needle rust
Coleosporium spp.
019
Cedar leaf blight
Didymascella thujina
020
Dogwood anthracnose
Discula spp.
022
Elytroderma disease
Elytroderma deformans
023
Fire blight
Erwinia amylovora
027
Brown felt blight
Herpotrichia juniper
028
Larch needle blight
Hypodermella laricis
031
Spruce needle cast
Lirula macrospora
032
Fir needle cast
Lirula spp.
033
White pine needle cast
Lophodermella arcuata
034
Lophodermella needle cast
Lophodermella spp.
035
Lophodermium needle cast
Lophodermium spp.
036
Marssonina blight
Marssonina populi
037
Melampsora rusts
Melampsora medusa
039
Larch needle cast
Meria laricis
040
Dothistroma needle blight
Mycosphaerella pini
041
Brown felt blight of pines
Neopeckia coulteri
042
Snow blight
Phacidum abietis
043
Swiss needle cast
Phaeocryptopus gaumannii
049
Fir needle rust
Pucciniastrum spp.
050
Douglas-fir needle cast
Rhabdocline spp.
052
Rhizophaeria needle cast
Rhizophaeria spp.
054
Brown spot needle blight
Scirrhia acicola
056
Septoria leaf spot and canker
Septoria musiva
K-12
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
058
Diplodia blight
Sphaeropsis sapinea
061
Shepherd’s crook
Venturia tremulae
062
Dothistroma needle blight
Dothistroma septospora
064
Broom rust
Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli
065
Spruce needle rust
Chrysomyxa weirii
067
Spuce needle cast
Lophodermium picea
068
Hardwood leaf rusts
Melampsora spp.
072
Sirococcus shoot blight
Sirococcus strobilinus
073
Shephards crook
Venturia populina
074
Delphinella shoot blight
Delphinella abietis
075
Tar spot
Rhytisma acerinum
26
000
Stem Rusts
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Branch infections located greater than 2 feet from tree bole
2 = Branch infections located between 6 inches and 2 feet fromtree bole
3 = Bole infections or branch infections located within 6 inches of bole
4 = Topkill
001
White pine blister rust
Cronartium ribicola
002
Western gall rust
Peridermium harknessii
003
Stalactiform blister rust
Cronartium coleosporioides
004
Comandra blister rust
Cronartium comandrae
011
Bethuli rust
Peridermium bethuli
27
000
Broom Rusts
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: <20% of crown in brooms
2 = Severe >20% of crown in brooms
001
Spruce broom rust
Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli
003
Juniper broom rust
Gymnosporangium nidus-avis
004
Fir broom rust
Melampsorella caryophyllacearum
30
000
Fire
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
031
Wild-fire
032
Human caused fire
033
Crown fire damage
034
Ground fire damage
40
000 Animal damage, source unknown
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
K-13
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
41
000
Wild Animals
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: <20% of crown affected, bole damage is <50% circumference
2 = Severe: >20% of crown affected, bole damage is >50% circumference, upper 1/3 of crown is
killed
4 = Earthworms are present
5 = Earthworms are absent
001
Bear
002
Beaver
003
Big game (deer)
004
Mice or voles
005
Pocket gophers
006
Porcupines
007
Rabbits or hares
008
Sapsucker
009
Squirrels
010
Woodpeckers
011
Moose
012
Elk
013
Deer
014
Feral pigs
015
Mountain beaver
016
Deer or elk
017
Lumbricidae
Earthworm
42
000
Domestic Animals
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor <20% of crown affected, bole damage is <50% circumference
2 = Severe: >20% of crown affected, bole damage is >50% circumference, upper 1/3 of crown is
killed
001
Cattle
002
Goats
003
Horses
004
Sheep
50
000
Abiotic Damage
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: <20% of crown affected, bole damage is <50% circumference
2 = Severe: >20% of crown affected, bole damage is >50% circumference, upper 1/3 of crown is
killed
001
Air pollutants
002
Chemical
003
Drought
004
Flooding/high water
005
Frost
006
Hail
007
Heat
008
Lightning
K-14
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
Common Name
Scientific Name
009
Nutrient imbalances
010
Radiation
011
Snow/ice
013
Wind-tornado
014
Winter injury
015
Avalanche
016
Mud-land slide
018
Other geologic events
019
Mechanical (non-human caused)
60
000
Competition
SEVERITY RATING
1 = Minor: tree slightly deformed and has some live, terminal growth
2 = Severe: tree extremely deformed or has no live terminal, growth severely reduced relative to
neighbors
70
000
Human Activities
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Herbicides
003
Imbedded objects
004
Improper planting technique
005
Land clearing
006
Land use conversion
007
Logging damage
008
Mechanical
009
Pesticides
010
Roads
011
Soil compaction
012
Suppression
013
Vehicle damage
014
Road salt
71
000
Harvest
SEVERITY RATING
1= minor
2 = severe
80
000
Multi-Damage (Insect/Disease)
SEVERITY RATING
1 = minor
2 = severe
001
Aspen defoliation
002
Subalpine fir mortality
004
Pinion pine decline
K-15
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix E: Existing Vegetation References and Codes
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category Agent
Common Name
90
000
Unknown
SEVERITY RATING
0 = 0 – 9% affected
1 = 10 – 19% affected
2 = 20 – 29% affected
3 = 30 – 39% affected
4 = 40 - 49% affected
5 = 50 - 59% affected
6 = 60 - 69% affected
7 = 70 - 79% affected
8 = 80 - 89% affected
9 = 90 - 100% affected
Category Agent
Common Name
99
Physical Effects
001
Broken top
002
003
Dead top
Limby (large limbs top to bottom)
007
Checks, bole cracks
004
006
008
009
010
Forked top
Crook or sweep
013
014
015
Foliage discoloration
Mortality (for plantation surveys only)
Lack of seed source
(for plantation surveys only)
Poor planting stock source
(for plantation surveys only)
Poor growth/fading/foliage is
yellowing and loss of needles is
occurring
Total board foot volume loss
Total cubic foot volume loss
Bark removal
017
Sunscald
011
012
016
018
019
Foliage loss
Uproot
Scorched foliage
K-16
Scientific Name
How to Code Severity (in actual %)
% of original height that is missing.
For example, if a tree was originally
100 feet high, but 15 feet of the top
is broken or missing, enter “15” in
the severity code.
% of total tree height that is dead
% of total tree height with many
limbs/knots
% of total tree height above fork
% of total tree height, which
contains the crook or sweep
% of total tree height, which
contains a crack or check
% of foliage discolored
1 = dead tree
If present, 100%
If present, 100%
1 = minor (reduced growth)
2 = severe (affecting survival)
% of total board foot volume loss
% of total cubic foot volume loss
% of tree circumference missing
bark
1 = minor
2 = severe
1 = minor
2 = severe
1 = uprooted tree
% of foliage scorched
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix K: Damage Categories, Agents, Severity Ratings, and Tree Parts
Damage Agents (cont.)
Category
Agent
020
021
022
023
026
031
033
034
036
037
038
Common Name
Scorched bark
Dieback source
(for plantation surveys only)
Poor crown form
Severe forking
Open wound
Broken or dead branches
Damaged shoots, buds, or foliage
source
(for plantation surveys only)
Excessively deformed sapling
Fire scar
Leaning tree
Charred Bark - not recorded unless
cambium is killed from heating
Tree Parts
Code
UN
TO
FO
LI
BO
BA
RO
WT
TT
MT
BT
Description
Unspecified
Top
Foliar (crown)
Limb
Bole, other than Top or Base
Base
Roots
Whole Tree
Top Third of Crown
Middle Third of Crown
Bottom Third of Crown
K-17
How to Code Severity (in actual %)
% of bark scorched
1 = minor
2 = severe
1 = minor
2 = severe
% of bole with forks
% of bole or trunk affected using the
height and width of the wound. For
example, if a tree is 100 feet tall and
the wound covers 15 feet of the bole,
enter a value of “15.”
% of branches broken or dead
1 = minor
2 = severe
% of sapling deformed
% of bole covered by fire scar
% lean from vertical
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix L: Accuracy Standards
APPENDIX L: ACCURACY STANDARDS
Settings Measurements
Field
Project Name
Region
Proclaimed Forest
District
Location
Stand Number
Ownership
State
County
Administrative Forest
Date
Photo ID
Exam Level
Exam Purpose
Stratum
Existing Vegetation Composition Type
Potential Vegetation Reference
Potential Vegetation
Structure
Capable Growing Area
Fuel Model
Elevation
Aspect
Slope
Slope Position
Acres
Radial Growth Interval
Radial Growth Interval #2
Height Growth Interval
Fuel Photo Reference
Precision Protocol
Examiner
Stand Remarks
Damage Category
Damage Agent
Damage Severity
Species of Management Interest
Sketch Map and Traverse Notes
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
± 10 Percent
No Errors
± 2 Contour Intervals
± 45 degrees
± 10 Percent
± 1 class
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
L-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix L: Accuracy Standards
Sample Design Criteria
Field
Form Type
Selection Method Type
Sample Expansion Factor
Plots Installed
Sub population Filter
Starting Azimuth
Sample Design Remarks
Selection Criteria Number
Sub pop Variable
Sub pop Minimum Value
Sub pop Maximum Value
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
Plot Data
Field
Plot Number
Plot Latitude
Plot Longitude
Capable Grow Area
Plot Aspect
Plot Slope
Slope Position
Slope Horizontal Shape
Slope Vertical Shape
Plot Elevation
Existing Vegetation
Potential Vegetation
Plot History
Plot History Date
Fuel Model
Residual Descriptive Code
Distance to Seed wall
Plot Remarks
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
± 10 Percent
± 45°
± 10 Percent
± 1 Class
± 1 Class
± 1 Class
± 2 Contour Intervals
No Errors
Accurate to series understory union and phases
No Errors
Year required if field 12 is other than code 10 or
blank
No Errors
No Errors
± 100 feet
L-2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix L: Accuracy Standards
Tree Data
Field
Plot Number
Tag ID Number
Tree Status
Site/Growth
Trees
Tree Species
Tree Count
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors allowed in recognizing and coding down trees
No Errors
No Errors
Height
Range
*All
<0.5 feet
<0.5 feet
>0.5 feet
>0.5 feet
All
All
All
Diameter
Range
All
<0.5 in.
<0.5 in
.5" - breakpoint d.b.h
.5" - breakpoint d.b.h.
breakpoint d.b.h. +
Trees
on Point
0
1-5
6+
1-5
6+
1-5
6+
1+
Tolerance
0 trees
± 2 trees
± 50%
± 1 tree
± 20%
± 1 tree
± 10%
0 trees
*There is no tolerance for recording a tree when none are actually present
in any of the above size classes. The recording of a fixed plot tree when
none are present will result in a single discrepancy.
The recording of a variable plot tree when none are present will result in
an unacceptable unit.
Number Stems
DBH/DRC
Height
Height to Crown
Radial Growth
Radial Growth #2
Height Growth
1/ Grouping criteria are standardized to facilitate stand exam contract
inspection and payment. However, distinguishing characteristics other
than tree class, species, and size class may warrant individual tree
recording or more refined grouping criteria. Such characteristics include
age, crown ratio, crown class, or incidence of damage.
No Errors
No Errors
<.5 inch
± .1 Inch
.5 inch - 13.9 inches
± .2 Inch
14.0 inches - 23.9 inches
± .3 Inch
24.0 inches - 34.9 inches
± .5 Inch
35.0 inches +
± .1 Inch
Borderline variable plot trees
± 1 Inch
Estimated DRC
± 10 %
± 10 %
± 1/20 inch
± 1/20 inch
± 1 foot
trees >6 feet
± 0.1 foot
trees ≤6 feet
L-3
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Tree Data (cont.)
Field
Tree Age
Crown Ratio
Crown Class
Crown width
Wildlife Use
Log/Snag Decay
Cone Serotiny
Damage Category
Damage Category
11
12
13-17
21
22
25
41-42
50
70
Damage Agent
Damage Part
Damage Severity
Tree Remarks
Appendix L: Accuracy Standards
Tolerance
± 10% (Based on actual tree ring count at breast height for trees
> 3.0" DBH otherwise based on total age recorded.)
± 10 %
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
Damage Category Description
Tolerance
Bark Beetles
No misses on live trees with a severity of 2
or greater.
Defoliators
No misses on live trees with a severity of 3
or greater.
Other Insects
No misses of shoot moths or weevils on live
trees.
Root/Butt Diseases
No misses on live trees with a severity of 2
or greater.
Stem Decays/Cankers
No misses on live trees with a severity of 3
or greater.
Foliage Diseases
No misses on Elytroderma on live trees.
Animal Damage
No misses on live trees with terminal leader
damage or with greater than 1/4 of bole
circumference affected.
Abiotic Damage
No misses on wind, snow, or ice bending,
breakage, or bole cracks and frost damage
to shoots on trees less than 1-inch diameter
and lightning.
Human Damage
No misses on live trees for logging damage
or fire if the damage affects greater than 1/4
of the bole circumference or if an open
wound is in contact with the ground.
Ground Surface Cover
Field
Plot Number
Cover Type
Cover Percent
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
± 10 Percent
L-4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix L: Accuracy Standards
Vegetation Composition
Field
Plot Number
Live /Dead
Layer
Life form
Species
Minimum Height
Average Height
Maximum Height
Canopy Cover
Average Diameter
Maturity
Cover Remarks
User Field
Tolerance
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Errors
No Error in species level identification for dominant,
common or community type indicator plants. No plant
name can be repeated within a layer.
± 10% of Height
± 10% of Height
± 10% of Height
± 10 Percent
No Errors
No Errors
Down Woody
Field
Plot Number
First Duff
Second Duff
Fuel Depth
Twigs 0 - .24
Twigs .25 - .99
Branch 1.0 - 2.99
Volume 1
Weight 1
Volume 2
Weight 2
Volume 3
Weight 3
Volume 4
Weight 4
Piece Count
Decay Class
Diameter
Piece Length
Tolerance
No Errors
± 1/2 inch
± 1/2 inch
No Errors
± 40%
± 30%
± 20%
No missed pieces
No Errors
± 1 inch on measurements
No Errors
L-5
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix M: Glossary of Terms
APPENDIX M: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aspect
Term
Azimuth
Basal Area
Bole Length
Breast Height
CALVEG
Canopy Cover
Compacted Live
Crown Ratio
Compartment
Crown Class
Crown Length
Crown Ratio
DEM
Diameter
Diameter at Breast
Height (DBH)
Diameter at Root
Collar (DRC)
Down Log
Definition
A position facing or commanding a given direction; exposure. Aspect is the
compass direction of the prevailing slope with respect to true north.
A horizontal angular measure from true north to an object of interest.
The cross-sectional area of the stem or stems of a plant or of all plants in a stand,
generally expressed as square units per unit area. For trees, measured at 4.5 feet
above ground, for forbs and grasses, measured at the root crown.
The straight-line distance measured parallel to the main bole of a tree, from its
base to its tip.
A point located on the uphill side of the main stem, by measuring 4.5 feet along
the uphill side of the bole from ground level or the predominant root collar.
Preclude slight, non-compacted litter accumulations when establishing breast
height.
Classification and Assessment with LANDSAT of Visible Ecological Groupings. It
is a California-wide system for classifying vegetative and non-vegetative cover
types. The primary cover type relates to life form and uses a 3-character alpha
code.
The percent of a fixed area covered by the crown of an individual plant species
or delimited by the vertical projection of its outermost perimeter; small
openings in the crown are included.
The percent of the total height of the tree that supports a full, live crown. For
trees that have uneven length crowns, occularly transfer lower branches to fill
holes in the upper portions of the crown, until a full, even crown is created.
A land area, usually between 3,000 and 8,000 acres, easily identified on the
ground by physical features. A compartment is comparable in size to a subwatershed, or landscape management unit. It is used as a convenience for
maintaining stand records and planning vegetation management projects.
The relative position of the tree or shrub crown with respect to the competing
vegetation around it. Crown class for each tree or shrub is judged in the context
of its immediate environment, that its, those trees or shrubs which are
competing for sunlight with the subject tree or shrub.
The vertical distance from the top of the leader to the base of the crown,
measured to the lowest live branch-whorl with live branches in at least 3
quadrants, and continuous with the main crown.
The ratio of compacted live crown length to bole length. Lengths are measured
parallel to the bole from the base of the tree to the tip.
Digital Elevation Model. USGS geographic elevation data distributed in raster
form. Digital representation of the shape of the earth's surface. Typically, digital
elevation data consists of arrays of values that represent topographic elevations
measured at equal intervals on the Earth’s surface.
The length of a straight-line segment passing through the center of an item and
terminating at its periphery.
A measure at breast height (4.5 feet), outside bark, of the tree bole,
perpendicular to the tree bole.
The straight line passing through the center of a cross section of a bole measured
at the root collar of a shrub or tree.
Stem material (conifer or hardwood) that is lying on the ground. If a stem
material is leaning more than 45 degrees from vertical, is not self-supporting,
and/or in contact with the ground, it is considered a down log.
M-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix M: Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms (cont.)
Term
Down Woody
Material
Duff Layer
Elevation
Fuel Bed
Fuel Model
GPS
Ground Level
Group Talley
Growth
Height Growth
Intersect Diameter
Lean (Tree)
Length
Life Form
Limiting Distance
Live Crown Length
Definition
Woody pieces of trees and shrubs that have been uprooted (no longer
supporting growth) or severed from their root system, not self-supporting, and
are lying on the ground.
Duff is the fermentation and humus layer of the forest floor. It does not include
the freshly cast material in the litter layer. The top of the duff is where needles,
leaves, and other cast-off vegetative material have noticeably begun to
decompose. Individual particles usually will be bound by fungi mycelium. When
moss is present, the top of the duff is just below the green portion of the moss.
The bottom of the duff is the start of the soil (“A” horizon).
Vertical distance from a datum, usually mean sea level, to a point or object on the
earth’s surface. Not to be confused with altitude, which refers to points above
the earth’s surface.
The fuel bed is the accumulation of dead, woody residue on the forest floor. It
begins at the top of the duff layer and above. It includes litter, dead limbwood
and bolewood from tree species, as well as dead material from shrub,
herbaceous, and grass species.
Mathematical descriptions of fuel properties (e.g., fuel load and fuel depth) that
are used as inputs to calculations of fire danger indices and fire behavior
potential.
Global Positioning System. A network of radio-emitting satellites deployed by
the U.S. Department of Defense. Ground-based GPS receivers can automatically
derive accurate surface coordinates for all kinds of GIS, mapping, and surveying
data collection.
The forest floor, made up by soil and duff layer. It does not include
unincorporated woody debris that may rise above the ground line. In reference
to a point of measure, it is the highest point of the ground touching the base of
the object being referenced.
A count of one or more items of the same type or species and recorded as a
single line entry.
A measure of the increase in growth layers for a specified time frame.
The increase in height over a set period of time.
Measurement of diameter at a point where the sampling plane intersects the
geometric center of the object being tallied. No adjustment is made for stem
irregularities at the point of intersection.
The deflection from vertical, > 15 degrees of a straight line passing through the
geometric center of the base and top of the main stem.
The measurement of the extent of something along its greatest dimension.
Species and individuals that are grouped into classes on the basis of their
similarities in structure and function. A growth form that displays an obvious
relationship to important environmental factors.
A comparative measurement between the subplot radius and the distance from
the subplot center to the center of the object. The comparison is used to
determine whether the object is IN or OUT of the fixed area subplot.
IN - The object is “in” if the measured distance is equal to or less than the subplot
radius.
OUT - The object is “out” if the measured distance is greater than the subplot
radius.
The straight-line distance measured parallel to the main bole of a tree, from the
top of the live crown to the base of the live crown.
M-2
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix M: Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms (cont.)
Term
Ownership
Plant Species
Plot Configuration
Plot
Proclaimed Forest
Quadratic Mean
Diameter
Radial Growth
Increment
Random Sample
Reconciliation Code
Slope
Species
Stand
Stand Exam Grid
Stratified Sample
Stratum
Stump
Tree
Tree Age
Definition
The identification of the legal owner/administrator on both the surface and
subsurface estates.
The major subdivision of a genus or subgenus of a plant being described or
measured.
The size and shape of the sampling unit (plot) and the spatial arrangement of
subplots within that unit.
A sub-sample of a plot or stand exam. This is the unit on which data are
recorded to individual trees, snags, logs, understory vegetation, and fuels. Data
can be collected on either a fixed area or variable radius area.
Units of the National Forest System as originally proclaimed or designated by
Congress.
The diameter of the tree of average basal area.
The increase in tree radius over a period of time at breast height, or occasionally
at the base.
Any method of sample selection based on the theory of probability (degree of
certainty). At any stage of the operation of selection, the probability of any set of
units being selected must be known. It is the only method that can provide a
measure of precision of the estimate.
A code used to reflect the status of an individually tallied item with regards to
previous surveys.
A deviation from the horizontal.
A code that represents a fundamental category of taxonomic classification of an
organism.
A spatially continuous group of trees and associated vegetation having similar
structures and growing under similar soil and climatic conditions.
Basic data collection method for stand exams. It consists of a set of plots,
separated by equal distances on a grid pattern. The lines of the grid (transects)
are oriented in cardinal directions. There is a predetermined distance between
plots. The number of transects and grid plots will vary depending upon the size
and shape of the stand.
A method of sampling forest resources where stands or polygons of similar
properties are lumped into strata. This improves the efficiency of an inventory
by reducing the variability within a given population. The less variability there
is within a strata, the fewer samples will need to be taken to achieve a
statistically valid result.
A group of stands within a condition class; similar characteristics such as forest
type, tree size class, and canopy density.
The woody base of a tree remaining in contact with the soil after the trunk or
main stem has been severed at a point less than 4.5 feet above ground height
(measured on the uphill side).
A woody perennial plant, typically large, with a single well-defined stem carrying
a more or less definite crown.
Total age of the above ground stem of a tree (not age of the root stock or the total
age from seed). Total age is usually the annual ring count to the pith of the tree
at breast height plus an estimate of the number of years it took the tree to reach
breast height.
M-3
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
APPENDIX N: REGION 1 DISEASE
DESCRIPTIONS
BIOTIC DAMAGE (Category 20)
(20-001) Damping Off
Host:
Injury:
Seedlings of all conifers (except junipers), elm, sweet gum, sycamore, yellow
poplar, and sycamore
The fungi that cause damping off produce hardy spores or other structures that
rest in the soil until conditions are suitable for germination. Damping off is
common in nurseries, where spore concentrations build up. Excessively wet
and alkaline soils (pH above 5.5) provide ideal conditions for germination,
growth, and movement of fungi through the soil to host seedlings. A seedling
may be infected and killed before it can break the surface of the ground (preemergence damping off). Usually the seedling emerges and the pathogen then
rots the stem at ground level.
(20-002) Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea)
Host:
Injury:
Western conifer seedlings such as redwood and giant sequoia
The fungus commonly exists as a saprophyte on dead or dying plant parts, and
readily infects healthy tissues when seedlings are grown in containers in
greenhouses or in overstocked nursery-beds where humidity is high and
temperatures are cool for prolonged periods. A sunken canker develops after
succulent seedling tissues become infected and the portion of the seedling above
the canker is killed.
ROOT/BUTT DISEASES (Category 21)
Root diseases can be difficult to detect. Diagnosis is usually done by a combination of stand-level
and tree-level characteristics. Stand indicators include:
• Openings or gaps in the overstory, openings may be filled with shrubs, hardwood trees or
root disease resistant species
• Pockets of mortality including down, broken, recent dead and older dead trees in proximity
to each other
• Windthrown trees with rotted root systems “root balls”
• Tree-level indicators include:
o Live trees with crown symptoms including yellow or chlorotic foliage, shortened
leaders and internodes, distress cone crops
o Resin exudes from roots and root crowns, often accompanied by fungal structures,
stain, or decay
o Trees have been or are currently being attacked by bark beetles, especially the
Douglas-fir beetle and the fir engraver
o Stumps with characteristic decay, presence of thick mycelial fans originating from
roots, or fungal fruiting bodies
o Root rot fungi seldom show their fruiting body
N-1
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Damage
Agent
Disease
Name
001
Armillaria
spp.
010
Heterobasidio
n annosum
Appendix N: Disease Descriptions
Basal
Resin
Distinguishing
Characteristics
All conifers
susceptible. DF, GF,
other conifers, some
hardwoods
Yes
•
GF, WF, DF, western
hemlock > 150
years. Older
mountain hemlock,
SAF, PP, WRC, WWP
No
Hosts
•
•
•
•
•
•
014
Ophiostoma
wagneri
DF, LPP, PP,
occasionally
hemlocks and other
pine species
No
015
Phaeolus
schweinitzii
DF, other conifers
No
017
Phellinus
weirii
Douglas-fir, white
fir, grand fir,
mountain hemlock,
other conifers
No
020
Phytophthora
lateralis
Port-Orford-cedar,
Pacific yew where
associated with
diseased cedars
No
•
THICK white to cream
colored mycelial fans that
peel like latex paint.
Resinous species exhibit
excessive resin flow and or
dark pitch-stained bark.
Windthrown trees with live
crowns and one or more
decayed roots.
Delaminating decay with
pitting on one side.
NO setal hyphae.
White spongy rot
interspersed with black
flecks.
Shelf conks inside stumps,
at root crotches, or “button”
conks or pustules inside
stumps or below soil line.
Longitudinal black to dark
violet, to dark chocolate
brown stain in the sapwood.
•
In cross section occurs in
arcs or circles that follow
annual rings.
•
Yellow, red, and or dead
standing trees.
Brown cubical rot of root and
butt heartwood. Small roots with
red-brown resinous heart.
•
Windthrown trees with
green crowns.
•
Delaminating decay with
pitting on both sides of
sheet.
•
Reddish brown “whiskery”
setal hyphae.
•
White to buff-colored,
sometimes fuzzy,
ectotrophic mycelia on
surface of root bark.
Recently dead Port-Orford-cedar
with cinnamon-colored cambial
stain.
N-2
Where to Look
Advanced Decay
Fruiting Bodies
•
•
Openings.
In cambial area between bark
and sapwood at base of tree
or in roots below the soil.
Pitch flow at root crown or
lower bole.
Plantations.
Openings.
Mortality associated with
stumps.
Old stumps; broken roots on
windthrow.
Conks inside old stumps or in
root crotches.
Pustules on root surfaces or
stumps
Older decay is
fibrous.
Honey-colored mushrooms
grouped near the base of
infected trees in the fall.
Wood may separate
at annual rings,
small pits occur on
one side of laminate.
White spongy rot
interspersed with
black flecks.
Douglas-fir plantations.
Douglas-fir roadside
mortality
Heavily stocked pine
plantations or pine on very
dry sites.
Outer sapwood of roots, root
crown, and lower tree bole.
N/A
Does not cause
decay. Kills trees by
restricting water
flow to crown.
Conks are variable in size and
shape. Two types:
•
Above ground shelf-like
perennial comics, dark,
chestnut brown on
upper surface and
creamy white pore layer
with small round pores
and a white sterile
(poreless) margin.
•
Below ground: creamy
white pustules
resembling popcorn
kernels.
N/A
Openings.
Old stumps or new stumps
with hollows or decay
crescents.
Root interior: wood that is in
advanced stages of decay.
Surface of root bark: under
the duff or soil particularly in
younger trees.
Wood separates at
the annual rings;
small pits occur on
both sides of the
laminates; setal
hyphae are present.
Where Port-Orford-cedar
occurs, particularly wetter
sites.
Cambium at root collar.
N/A
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Large brown velvety conks
with green or brown pore
layer on underside produced
on ground or base of tree.
N/A
N/A
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
(21-001) Armillaria (Armillaria spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Mycelial fans under
bark
Severely damaged: Douglas-fir, grand fir, white fir. Moderately damaged: other
true firs, pines, hemlocks, spruces, and western redcedar. Other conifers are
seldom damaged. Hardwoods may be affected.
Crown symptoms are as described above, and basal resins are often seen on the
outside of bark at the root crown. Mycelial fans are generally present beneath
the bark at the root crown; these fans are cream to white, 1/16-1/4" thick, with
fanlike, radiating ridges. The stringy yellow-white sapwood decay is often not
sufficiently advanced at the root crown for proper diagnosis. Black zone lines
traverse the decay in irregular patterns and aid considerably in identification of
early decay. Fruiting bodies are honey-colored mushrooms that grow 3 to 10
inches tall, appearing in the fall. Rhizomorphs (dark brown or black, flattened
strands of fungal tissue) sometimes can be found growing along root surfaces or
through soil.
Use presence of thick, white mycelial fans (or impressions of fans in older
decay) originating on roots or at the root collar for positive identification. Fans
should peel like latex paint and be substantial enough that they do not
“disappear” when scraped or pulled off. Resin-flow may also indicate Armillaria
root disease, however by itself is not enough to provide positive identification
for this disease. (Saprophytic forms of Armillaria produce “wimpy” mycelial
fans that do not leave impressions in the wood. Resin flow is not associated
with saprophytic Armillarias). Rhizomorphs alone are also not enough to
positively identify the disease. Use caution when identifying suspected infected
intermediate and suppressed trees when associated co-dominant and dominant
trees do not appear to be infected. When identifying Armillaria root disease in
stumps, it is important to associate suspected infected stumps with mortality of
surrounding trees.
Mushrooms on roots
Advanced decay
(21-003) Cylindrocladium Root Disease (Cylindrocladium spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Rhizomorphs between
bark and wood
Eastern white pine, red pine, Scots pine, Norway spruce, white spruces, eastern
hemlock, black walnut, yellow poplar, Austrian pine, sweetgum, oak, and most of
the southern pines
The fungi over winter as hardy “resting” spores, then attack young, newly
planted seedlings. It may kill seedlings as they sprout from seed or cause root
rot in young seedlings. When conifers are attacked, the foliage shrivels and
turns red. The foliage of hardwoods turns yellow and then a reddish brown.
The roots of conifer and hardwood seedlings turn black when infected, and the
outer bark will loosen and crack.
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Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(21-004) Brown Crumbly Rot (Fomitopsis pinicola)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larch, Douglas-fir, spruce, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine
This rot is associated with old-growth stands of fire-damaged larch, and causes
the wood to become dark reddish-brown and cubically cracked. A single conk
may indicate a total cull. If the fungus is present within a timber stand, suspect
or risk trees are those with broken tops or large broken branches.
Thick mats of cream-colored mycelium are very conspicuous in the cracks. The
conks often appear in the upper portions of the tree and on the ground under
the tree where they have broken off and fallen. They can be up to 24 inches long
and 10-12 inches wide. They are pendulous or hoof-shaped and chalky in color.
(21-005) Black Root Rot of Pine (Fusarium oxysporum)
Host:
Injury:
Conifers in nurseries
Leaf browning, root rot, and stunting. The leaf tips first become yellow, and
eventually the whole plant becomes brown, while the root cortex becomes
brown and eventually black. The cortex will slack off leaving the vascular
cylinder, which also turns brown, sometimes with red patches.
(21-006) Black Knot of Cherry (Apiosporina morbosa)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Many species of cherry, especially black cherry
Irregular swellings on black cherry stems, branches, and twigs. Often a white
fungus is found growing over the swellings. Later, the swellings blacken and
appear rough.
Swellings on the branch of the host plant are covered with an irregular, rough,
fruiting layer of fungal tissue. Spore bearing fruiting bodies form within this
fruiting layer.
(21-007) White Mottled Rot (Gandoderma applanatum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Rot occurs in sapwood and heartwood not far above stump height. Wood is
light, mottled, soft, and spongy with fine black zone lines. This rot often
produces wind thrown trees, with rotten stumps, often in groups.
Sporophores are large, shelf-like conks, with smooth, grayish, zoned upper
surfaces, and a lower surface with small white pores that turn brown when
bruised. The conks are usually found at the base of infected trees.
(21-010) Annosus Root Disease (Heterobasidion annosum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Severe damage: grand fir, white fir, Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, and
western hemlock (over 150 years old) may be severely damaged. Moderate
damage: ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and western hemlock (under 150
years old). Other western conifers are seldom damaged.
Crown symptoms may be produced although not as often as with other root
diseases. Best identification comes from presence of fruiting bodies. Conks are
often produced inside stumps. (Tear apart “soft” stumps. Look for conks in
hollows, between bark and wood, or at the heartwood/sapwood interface.)
Conks are occasionally produced at the base of dead trees under the duff. Two
types of conks may be found. Shelf conks have a brown to black, leathery to
woody, smooth upper surface. The pore layer is cream to white with rounded,
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Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
regular pores. A white “sterile” margin can be found at the conk edge (looks like
pore layer but without pores). Button conks appear to be small pustules
(popcorn-like) of white-cream to light brown fungal material. Pores should be
visible. They are often found under the soil on roots or in root crotches.
Advanced decay delaminates the wood (comes apart at the annual rings).
Pitting often occurs on one side of the laminate. White fibers with black flecks
are associated with wood in less advanced stages of decay. Identifying annosus
root disease by incipient decay (reddish-brown stain) is unreliable. Use
advanced decay and fruiting bodies for positive identification. Bark beetles are
often associated with this root disease, particularly when it occurs in white or
grand fir.
Stringy rot
Windthrow
Transmissino
Conks
(21-012) Tomentosus Root Disease (Inonotus tomentosus)
Hosts:
Injury:
Description:
Engelmann spruce and ponderosa pine
It is difficult to identify unless associated with wind thrown or dead trees. Very
common root and butt rot of spruce. It starts as a dark reddish brown
discoloration followed by formation of elongate pockets separated by brown or
reddish firm wood. The edges of pockets are distinct. A cross- sectional view
looks like a honeycomb.
The conk is small, 1-2 inches, and indistinct. The upper surface is brown and
hairy. It has a central stalk with a white tube layer continuing down from the
cap. The conk quickly turns brown and decays.
(21-013) Charcoal Root Rot (Macrophomina phaseolina)
Host:
Injury:
Most conifer species, especially Douglas-fir, red and white fir, and giant sequoia,
grown in warm lowland agricultural soils are susceptible to this disease
It is one of the most important diseases in forest nurseries in the Western
United States. The causal fungus exists in the soil as small black dormant
structures called sclerotia. As seedling roots grow and encounter these
sclerotia, they germinate, the fungus penetrates the root, gradually killing the
root system, and the seedling becomes stunted and dies. New sclerotia formed
between the bark and wood of dead roots provides a diagnostic sign to
distinguish this disease from other root diseases of western conifers. In
addition to seedling losses in the nursery from mortality and culling of stunted
stock, infected seedlings outplanted in warm soils also may be killed by this
fungus.
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Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(21-014) Black Stain Root Disease (Ophiostoma wagneri)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Severely damaged: Douglas-fir. Moderately damaged: ponderosa pine,
lodgepole pine, and western hemlock. Seldom damaged: western white pine,
mountain hemlock. Primarily attacks Pinyon Pines in Southwest
Crown symptoms are described above. Distinct vertical black streaks in root
and root crown sapwood follow annual rings.
Black stain can be distinguished from blue stain by the pattern of stain: black
stain follows the annual rings while blue stain produces wedge-shaped stain
areas that point inward toward the pith. Cut into root or base of bole to observe
pattern of stain in sapwood if black stain is suspected. This disease is often
associated with beetle infestations. It does not produce decay. Bark and
sapwood may be soaked in resin.
(21-015) Schweinizii Butt Rot (Phaeolus schweinitzii)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Nearly all conifers, especially Douglas-fir and true firs
This fungus causes a dry and brittle brown cubical rot in the heartwood and
roots of conifers. The presence of conks indicates 8 feet of butt decay for young
growth and 16 feet of decay for old growth. Douglas-fir beetles or Armillaria
root rot in mature Douglas-fir are often indicators of this rot. When these are
present look for small roots near the root crown; cut into the heart of these
roots and look for a red resinous interior. Look for basal scars with carpenter
ants or with cubical or powdery brown decay. If this rot is present in wind
broken Douglas-fir, most other mature Douglas-fir in the stand are also infected
and should be examined for root symptoms. Wind thrown trees may have root
galls caused by this rot, which are especially obvious on main roots that are
stubbed and callous.
On soil, the conks are circular with a sunken center and thick, short, central
stalk; on boles, the conks are thin brackets. The upper surfaces are velvety and
dark reddish-brown in color, while the undersides are yellow-green with a
creamy margin when fresh and dark red-brown when old.
(21-017) Laminated Root Rot (Phellinus weirii)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Severely damaged: Douglas-fir, mountain hemlock, grand fir, and white fir.
Moderately damaged: western hemlock, larch, spruce, and other true firs. Pines
and cedars are seldom damaged. This disease occurs in Western redcedar in
Idaho and Montana.
Crown symptoms are described above. A thin layer of white to cream or buffcolored (sometimes fuzzy) mycelium on the outside of roots is a good indicator
of disease on younger trees (use in plantations). In advanced decay, growth
rings delaminate (separate) into sheets, and small pits (3/4th of an inch) are
visible on both sides of the rings. Decay of root sapwood and butt heartwood is
rapid and characteristic.
Rusty-reddish colored “whiskers” (fungal hairs) are visible in small patches or
larger “velvety” clusters, visible between separated sheets of decayed wood.
Identify laminated root rot based on a combination of delaminated wood,
pitting, and presence of reddish whiskers. The fungus causes the wood to
separate along the annual rings in the form of a definite ring shape. It is yellowbrown, stringy, and riddled with small pockets. Sporophores are dark brown or
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Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
yellowish-brown conks appearing as thick sheets on bark, often cracked with
age.
(21-022) Pythium Root Rot (Phythium spp.)
This is a major cause of damping off in nurseries. They attack the roots of seedling early in the
season.
(21-026) Yellow Pitted Rot (Hericium abietis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
True firs, Engelmann spruce, hemlock
The rot may develop in the butt or upper portions of living trees, or in stumps,
fallen trees, and snags. The coral fungus probably enters living trees through
wounds and dead branches. The color of the wood does not change noticeably.
The fruiting bodies are soft, creamy white, coral like, and characterized by the
presence of numerous “spines” or “teeth” which produce spores. The fruiting
bodies are short lived and not readily recognized when shriveled and dry.
STEM DECAYS AND CANKERS (Category 22)
Conks are leathery to woody spore-producing bodies that form on trees. They may be found on the
ground near the base of a tree, on the bole, or on a branch. The presence of conks or punk knots
(swollen knots with fungal interior) on trees, living or dead, indicates decay. Use punk knots as
additional indicators of decay only when they are associated with visible conks.
Fungus
Hosts
Conk Shape
Echinodontium
tinctorium
GF, WH,
SAF
Hoof, under
branch
Hoof or flat
on bark
Dark brown
Phaeolus
schweinitzii
DF, Other
Conifers
Thick shelf
or on ground,
non-woody
Fomitopsis
officionalis
WL, PP,
Other
conifers
Fomitopsis
pinicola
All dead
conifers
Phellinus pini
DF, LPP,
WL,
Other
conifers
Conk Upper
Surface
Brown, woody
Conk Lower
Surface
Tan, teeth
projecting
downward
Cinnamon to
tan
Conk Context
Characteristic
Orange
Decay yellow
orange, stringy
Brown, velvety
Green - fresh
Brown - old
large pored
Brown
Hoof or
cylindric
large, chalky
consistency
Yellow, white or
cream
Yellow or
white, pored
Yellow white
Thick shelf
or hoof,
corky
consistency
Brown with red
“belt” along
margin
Cream, small
pored
Cream
N-7
Cinnamon
Stringy decay
with pronounced
white pockets,
punk knots on
stem, red brown
discoloration in
heartwood
Brown cubical
decay of
heartwood, thin,
resinous felts
sometimes in
shrinkage cracks
of decay. Root
and butt rot
Brown cubical
decay of
heartwood only.
Thick, white felts
in shrinkage
cracks of decay.
Brown cubical
decay of sapwood
and heartwood.
Dead trees and
stumps.
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(22-001) Heart Rot
Damage resulting from most heart rots can be easily observed. Most begin at basal injuries, like
those caused by fire and logging damage. In addition, poorly healed and decayed branch stubs and
other stem defects are strong indications of heart rot.
(22-002) Stem Rot
Stem rot is the physical and chemical deterioration of the stem, resulting from wood rotting fungi.
(22-003) Sap Rot
Sap rot is the physical and chemical deterioration of the sap wood resulting from wood rotting
fungi.
(22-004) Slime Flux
Host:
Injury:
Description:
(22-005) Virus
Oaks and other hardwoods
Patches of wet bark having a sour smell are generally the first symptom of this
disease. In addition, insects are attracted to the wet area. Often the bark in the
area of the slime flux separates from the tree bole and gives a hollow sound
when tapped.
The prime wounding agents are insect borers, mechanical injuries, and natural
cracks and splits which are rarely observed. The clear sap flowing from the
wound becomes colonized with bacteria. It then darkens, and develops an
unpleasant odor. The specific bacteria causing the dark color and odor are
rarely identified.
A virus is a submicroscopic obligate parasite consisting of nucleic acid and protein.
(22-006) Black Knot of Cherry (Apiosporina morbosa)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Black cherry
Irregular swellings on stems, branches, and twigs. Often a white fungus is found
growing over the swellings. Later, the swellings blacken and appear rough.
Swellings are covered with an irregular, rough, fruiting layer of fungal tissue.
Spore bearing fruiting bodies form within this fruiting layer.
(22-007) Atropellis Canker (Atropellis piniphila, A. pinicola)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Lodgepole pine (A. piniphila); sugar pine, western white pine, ponderosa pine,
lodgepole pine (A. pinicola)
Branch and stem cankers are produced. Wood in the canker area is resinsoaked, distorted, and has a blue-black stain of the heartwood and sapwood.
The bark is usually tight over dead cambium. Damage may be severe in dense
stands, particularly those growing on dry sites. Single infections in small trees
or multiple infections in large stems often girdle the host. This pathogen is more
likely to be found in cool, moist sites.
Black, disc-shaped fruiting bodies 1/16 to 3/16 inches in diameter may be
visible on the canker surface. Cankers are usually many times longer than wide.
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(22-012) Black Canker of Aspen (Ceratocystis fimbriata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Canker first appears as a circular, necrotic area on the trunk around a wound or
branch stub.
Small cankers are oval or elliptical. Older cankers have a central area of dead
wood surrounded by a series of calluses with black dead bark adhering.
Calluses give the canker its diagnostic “target” shape. Black spots appear on
edges of canker in spring on one-year old wood.
(22-024) Gray-Brown Saprot (Cryptoporus volvatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Dead conifers
It causes a rapid decay of sapwood in bark-beetle attacked trees. Rounded,
white or tan conks about one inch in diameter form on the outer bark of infected
trees. The conks emerge through holes in the bark produced by bark beetles
within one to three years of attack.
Conks are leathery at first and totally sealed with an air space and a pink pore
layer inside. At maturity, the conks have a hole in the underside about 1/8th to
1/4th of an inch in diameter. New conks may be produced on a dead tree each
year for up to 3 years. Conks live only one summer and deteriorate on the tree
within a year or two.
(22-025) Cryptosphaeria Canker of Aspen (Cryptosphaeria populina)
Host:
Injury:
Aspen
Cankers are long and narrow, following the grain of underlying wood and
frequently associated with trunk wounds. Dead bark adheres tightly to
sapwood. Two- to three-year old dead bark is black, stringy, and sooty like and
contains small, scattered lenticular light-colored areas. Infected bark on the
edges of the canker is light brown to orange with annual callus formation.
Typical snakelike pattern of
infection
Lens-shaped, light colored
areas within infected bark
tissue
(22-026) Cytospora Canker of Fir (Cytospora abietis)
Host:
Injury:
True firs and Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western redcedar are occasional
hosts
Branch and stem cankers are produced. Branches and tops of trees are quickly
girdled and killed. Stem cankers occasionally girdle and kill saplings, but seldom
kill larger trees. Flagged branches and dead tops of seedlings and saplings are
usually the most obvious symptoms. Sunken bark with dead cambium
underlying is the result of the canker. If the edge of the canker is cut, an abrupt
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Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
margin is observed between the green, live bark and the brown, dead bark.
Slight resin flow is often present at the canker margin and the bark within the
cankered area often appears discolored. Conks are seldom observed. Orange
tendrils of spores exude from microscopic holes in the bark at canker margins.
(22-027) Western Red Rot (Dichomitus squalens)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine
It is usually detected in live, standing trees by means of increment cores. Decay
starts as reddish or purplish discoloration in a radiate or circular pattern.
Advanced decay consists of elongate white pockets with square ends and poorly
defined margins. Black flecks may be present. Decay column appears in cross
section as a star-like or radiate pattern of advanced decay surrounded by
purplish red incipient decay. If borings show a white pocket rot, it is probably
red ring rot.
(22-028) Rust Red Stringy Rot (Echinodontium tinctorium)
Host:
Injury:
True firs and hemlocks
This fungus attacks heartwood; in advanced stages, the heartwood becomes
reddish-yellow to brown and stringy or fibrous. It enters the trees through dead
branchlets. Decay may be stimulated by injury. Conks are large woody conks
with a black, roughly cracked upper surface; they usually originate from
knotholes or branch stubs. Punk knots and conks are rusty-red in color when
split open. One conk may indicate at least 16 feet of decay in either direction;
two or more conks indicate complete colonization.
(22-029) Sooty-Bark Canker (Encoela pruinosa)
Host:
Injury:
Aspen
Outer bark sloughs off trunks in a concentric pattern from edges of cankers.
Callus does not form. Exposed inner bark is a uniform sooty black and crumbles
easily in the hand. The trunk shows small, black, spotted areas where the fungus
held the bark to the tree. Light gray dots (fruiting bodies or apothecia) form
abundantly on old, dead, inner bark.
Cup-shaped fruiting bodies develop on the old inner bark
(22-035) Amelanchier Rust (Gymnosporangium harknessianum)
Host:
Injury:
Western juniper
Its alternate host is the western serviceberry. Telia form a reddish brown
gelatinous mass on the leaves.
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(22-036) Cedar Apple Rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Apples, eastern redcedar
Brown, round galls form on the branches of redcedar, but cause no injury. On
apple leaves, yellow spots occur that later turn brown and result in cupping and
curling of the leaf.
The fungus forms galls on the branches of eastern redcedar. In the spring, these
galls produce long, orange tendrils or “horns.” Leaf spots form on the apple host
in the spring. These spots produce yellow spores on the lower surface of the
leaf.
(22-038) Hypoxylon Canker of Aspen (Hypoxylon mammatum)
Host:
Injury:
Aspen, except in Alaska
Young cankers first appear on bark as slightly sunken, yellowish-orange areas
with irregular margins. As the infection progresses, the outer bark is raised in
blister like patches and sloughs off, exposing the blackened crumbling cortex.
Old cankers, which may be several feet long, are rough and blackened at the
center and yellowish-orange at the newly invaded margins.
Although callus may develop occasionally at the margin of a canker, the
fungus usually invades new tissue so rapidly that callus has no time to form.
Many trees infected on the lower bole are girdled and killed within 5 years. An
infection on the upper bole may cause only part of the crown to die, after which
a lower branch may become the growing tip of the tree, but the entire tree may
then die from suppression. Some trees are so weakened by decay in the
cankered zone that wind breaks the stems before girdling is complete.
The most reliable field symptom for identifying young cankers is the
laminated or mottled black and yellowish-white cortex, which can be exposed by
cutting into young cankers or cutting near the margins of older cankers.
Removing the bark exposes white mycelial fans in the cambial zone.
Mycelial fan beneath the bark
(22-040) Sterline Conk Trunk Rot of Birch (Inonotus obliquus)
Host:
Injury:
Yellow birch and paper birch
The fungus enters the tree through wounds, especially poorly healed branch
stubs. Once the fungus is in the tree, decay is rapid and extensive. Viewed at the
end of a cut log, decayed wood is yellow with a dark brown border.
The “cinder conk” is not a fruiting body but a wedge. The structure forces the
bark apart, keeping the wound open and allowing the fungus to enter uninfected
wood. Every time the tree walls off the fungus, the wedge kills additional tissue;
the fungus continues to infect, and a canker forms. About 6 years after a tree has
died and decay has spread throughout the wood to the bark, the fungus fruits.
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The short-loved fruiting bodies form under the bark and break through. They
are flat, thin, and brown.
(22-047) Red Ring Rot (Phellinus pini)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Nearly all conifers, especially pines and western larch
This is the number one heartwood decay in the United States. Numerous conks
distributed on the bole indicate extensive decay. Punk knots are often present
in absence of fruiting bodies. Both are strong cull indicators. They may be open
or overgrown by sapwood and inconspicuous until chopped open. Punk knots
indicate points where old conks have fallen or the beginning of a new conk. The
presence of one of these fruiting bodies would indicate the tree is half rotten;
two or more and the tree is cull. Decay extends 2 to 5 feet up and 4 to 7 feet
down from individual indicators.
The shelf-like conk is 1 to 12 inches in diameter, dark gray to black on top and
cinnamon to yellowish-brown on the undersides. It usually occurs at branch
stubs. Punk knots are filled with the same cinnamon to yellowish-brown punky
substance composing the interior of the conk.
Top: shelf-like conks (fruiting bodies) normally found on tree trunk.
Bottom: typical advanced white pocket rot
(22-048) Aspen Trunk Rot (Phellinus tremulae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
White or yellowish spongy rot is generally confined to heartwood. Sapwood is
decayed in advanced stages and contains concentric black zone lines.
Conks are hoof-shaped and an average of four inches wide with grayish black,
cracked upper surface, brown under surface with many pores, and a rusty
brown interior with a layer of tubes.
(22-051) Phomopsis Canker (Phomopsis spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir
Yellow or light green “flags” which eventually turn brown, appear in crowns or
at the tips of infected trees. These “flags” gradually work inward and down the
tree. Resinosis often appears from cankered areas particularly on large stems.
Primarily affects young trees, often killing trees less than 3 inches in diameter
and causing branch flagging on older trees.
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(22-057) Cytospora Canker of Aspen (Cytospora chrysosperma)
Host:
Injury:
Aspen
Yellow or light green “flags” which eventually turn brown, appear in crowns or
at the tips of infected trees. These “flags” gradually work inward and down the
tree. Resin often appears from cankered areas particularly on large stems.
Usually attacks weakened trees, especially branches previously infected with
dwarf mistletoe. Dead branch-tips are the most visible symptom. On large
limbs and trunks, a canker is formed by circular bark killing over a period of
years.
(22-059) Red Belt Fungus (Formitopsis pinicola)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Dead conifers
This is one of the most common wood decay fungi in Northwestern United
States. It usually is found on dead rotting trees and stumps. Both sapwood and
heartwood of dead trees are attacked. The wood becomes yellowish to pale
brown, dry and crumbly in the early stages of decay. Later the rot becomes redbrown and cubically cracked with white felts of mycelium in some cracks.
Conks are variable in form and may range up to a foot or more in diameter.
Hoof-shaped conks have a tan to dark brown upper surface with a red band near
the margin. The lower surface is white with minute pores. Young conks start as
thick mounds of white or cream colored tissue without visible pores. At all
stages, conks are tough and corky.
(22-062) Brown Heart Rot (Fomitopsis officinalis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Primarily western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir; sometimes
Englemann spruce, true firs, and western hemlock
This is a heart rot of the stem. A single conk usually indicates complete cull. The
decay is common only in a few old growth stands.
Conks are large, up to two feet long, hoof-shaped or columnar. They are soft,
yellow-white when young, soon becoming white and chalky throughout. The
decay is brown, cubically cracked, with thick white felts in large cracks. The
taste of both conks and felts is bitter and distinct for this species.
(22-063) (Coniophora puteana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Conifers and occasionally hardwoods
Causes a brown cubical rot. It occurs on slash and building timbers. It
sometimes decays living trees.
The annual, crust like, fleshy fructifications are usually a little over two inches in
diameter, or they may be elongated. The surface is smooth or slightly wavy and
olive to brownish in color with a white margin.
Left: effused fruiting body on a piece of slash.
Right: typical advanced stage of brown cubical rot.
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(22-064) Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Affects many hardwoods, but prefers beech, birch, and aspen
Decay usually is limited to areas killed by some other agent. The decayed wood
is soft, spongy, and yellowish-white.
The conk is hard, gray, smooth, and shaped like a horse’s hoof.
(22-065) Purple Conk (Hirschioporus puteana)
Host:
Injury:
Fir
This is a pitted sap rot or a white pocket rot of fir. It may attack dead sapwood in
wounds of living trees.
(22-066) Black Stain Root Disease (Leptographium wagnerii)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, Jeffery pine, pinyon, and singleleaf pinyon
Infected trees exhibit symptoms of gradual decline before they die. In early
stages of decline, terminal growth is reduced and older needles become
chlorotic. As the disease progresses, older needles are shed prematurely, new
needles are somewhat stunted and yellow, and reduced internodal growth is
evident on lateral branches. In advanced stages, new growth is chlorotic, with a
tufted appearance, and crowns exhibit very sparse foliage. Trees may bear
“distress” cone crops. This disease affects groups of trees in distinct infection
centers. Typical centers have trees in various stages of decline near the
perimeter and dead trees in the interior near the origin of initial infection.
(22-068) False Tinder Fungus (Phellinus igniarius)
Host:
Injury:
Quaking aspen
The appearance of fruiting bodies (conks) on living trees is the most reliable
external indicator of decay. The white or yellowish spongy rot associated with
F. igniarius is generally confined to the heartwood. The early stage of decay is
characterized by soft cream-colored wood, often with a distinct dark zone line
separating it from the surrounding healthy wood. In later stages of decay, the
wood becomes spongy or punky, yellowish in color and the decayed wood
contains a number of irregular concentric black zone lines. A brown stain is
usually found on the outside perimeter of the decayed wood. The rot can occur
throughout the length of the tree and often, in advanced stages, sapwood tissue
is invaded. Occasionally the damage is so prevalent that it masks or conceals rot
caused by other fungi. Suspected entry points for the organism are dead branch
stubs, cankers, and various types of injuries that extend deep into the sapwood.
The shelf like or hoof-like fruiting bodies emanate from these points.
(22-070) Yellow Cap Fungus (Pholiota spp.)
Host:
Injury:
California red fir, white fir
The fungi leave a more or less fibrous or stingy residue, which may be tan,
white, or brownish. As the decay progresses, effected wood is often reduced to a
wet, pulpy mass. Later this wood may be destroyed, leaving a hollow in the tree.
The fungus enters through fire scars or other basal wounds, and the resultant
rots occur in the lower bole; however, they usually extend up the trunk,
sometimes to 50 or 60 feet above the ground.
N-14
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
(22-071) Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Hardwoods, some conifers
It causes a white, flaky rot of the sapwood and heartwood. Infection usually
occurs through open wounds.
The white, fleshy shelf-like mushroom are smooth on the upper surface with
gills on the lower surface, and often arise in clusters. The gills on the lower
surface characteristically extend down the along the stalk.
(22-074) Cedar Brown Pocket Rot (Poria sericeomollis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western redcedar
Causes heart rot of the stem. The rot occurs in irregular, large patches several
inches to several feet in length throughout the stem. Each patch may become
one to several inches in diameter. In the early stages of development, the decay
patches are yellow to light brown and often vague, but in late stages, they
become distinctly brown with cubical cracking.
Conks are rare. They are indistinct, thin; white pore layers produced directly on
the bark of dead trees.
(22-075) Lachnellula Canker (Lachnellula flavorirens)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western larch seedlings and saplings
Stem and branch cankers girdle and kill treetop, branches, or the entire tree.
Sunken, discolored, sometimes resinous areas of bark on stem or branch.
Cambium is killed. A distinct margin between dead and live cambium is
observed by cutting away bark.
Small, cup-shaped fruiting bodies are occasionally found on dead bark within
canker. These fruiting bodies are 1/8 inch in diameter, yellow inside and brown
outside.
(22-077) Phomopsis Blight (Phomopsis juniperovora)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Eastern redcedar, Rocky mountain cedar, cypress, and Atlantic white cedar in
surseries
The tips of branches are ususally killed, and turn brown. Formation of small,
black fruiting bodies at the point between living and dead tissue is common.
The fungus forms small, black fruiting bodies on the needles and stems. These
bodies contain small, oval spores.
N-15
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
PARASITIC AND EPOPHYTIC PLANTS (Category 23)
AGENT
Species
006
Arceuthobium
americanum
Arceuthobium
campylopodum
Arceuthobium
cyanocarpum
Arceuthobium
douglasii
Arceuthobium laricis
008
009
011
013
(23-001) Mistletoe
Principle
Host
Lodgepole
Pine
Ponderosa
Pine
Limber
Pine
Douglas-Fir
Western
larch
Secondary
Host
White bark
Pine
Subalpine fir;
Lodgepole pine
Shoot length
Mean/Max
2.5 - 12
Shoot Color
Branching
Verticillate
1-2
Yellow or
green
Brown or
green
Green
1.5 - 2.5
Dark purple
Flabellate
3-5
1-3
Green
Flabellate
Flabellate
Flabellate
Mistletoe plants are small, ranging in height from one-half inch or less on Douglas-fir to 3 inches or
more on ponderosa pine. Plants are yellow to yellow-green to olive-green in color. Branches swell
and become spindle-shaped at the point of initial infection. However, the most conspicuous
symptom is formation of witches’ brooms, which often develop within a few years of infection.
Brooms are spherical clumps of abnormal branch and twig growth; usually exhibiting lighter
colored and sometimes smaller needles than normal branches. Other insects, pathogens, and
physical or genetic influences may cause broom formation. Large, older, open-grown trees may
appear to have swollen branches. When in doubt, associate dwarf mistletoe plants with swellings
and brooms before identifying them as caused by dwarf mistletoe.
Dwarf mistletoes are parasitic plants that depend on conifer hosts. Their modified root system is
embedded in bark and wood tissues. The aerial shoots are reproductive structures. Although they
do contain chlorophyll and manufacture some carbohydrates, most of their carbohydrates and all of
their water and minerals come directly from the host. Dwarf mistletoe infection is characterized by
reduction in growth. Height growth is generally more seriously affected than diameter growth.
Mistletoe plants are either male or female; both sexes may be found on the same host tree. The
pathogen spreads by sticky seeds “shot” from the female mistletoe plant; most seeds (90 percent)
land within 50 feet. After an infection is established, it takes 3 to 4 years to reach maturity. Rate of
spread within an even-storied stand is about 2 feet per year.
Severity rating for dwarf mistletoe is coded 1 through 6 according to the following system:
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1. Divide live crown into thirds
STEP 2. Rate each third separately. Each third should
be given a rating of 0, 1 or 2 as described below.
•
No visible infections
•
Light infection (1/2 or less of the total number of
branches in the crown third are infected)
•
Heavy infection (more than 1/2 of total number
of branches in the crown third are infected).
Example:
STEP 3. Finally, add ratings of thirds to obtain rating
for total tree.
The dwarf mistletoe rating for the above tree is 3 (top (0) +
middle (1) + bottom (2))
Top 1/3rd has no visible
infection, rating is 0
Middle 1/3rd is lightly
infected, rating is 1
Bottom 1/3rd is heavily
infected, rating is 2
N-16
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
(23-002) Parasitic Plants
More than 250 species of higher plants are known to live parasitically on other plants. These
parasitic plants produce flowers a seeds similar to those produced by the host plants. Mistletoes
and dodders are examples of parasitic plants. Mistletoes do not have roots, and depend on the host
for water and all minerals. Dodders depend entirely on their hosts for their existence.
(23-005) White Fir Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum f. sp. concoloris)
Hosts:
White fir, grand fir in the Cascade Mountains of south Washington, Oregon, and
northern California, the Siskiyou Mountains of south Oregon and northern
California, and in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. It has also been
reported on white fir in southern Nevada and Utah, and in a few locations in
Arizona.
(23-006) Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum)
Hosts:
Male plant
Principal host is lodgepole pine, occasionally Jeffrey, limber, and ponderosa
pines. Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, whitebark pine, and Rocky Mountain
bristlecone pine may sometimes be infected.
Female plant
Distributino
Brooms
(23-008) Western Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum)
Host:
4
Trunk distortion
Ponderosa pine, Jeffery pine, knobcone pine, and Coulter pine
This is one of the most damaging forest diseases in the Western United States.
The presence of fusiform branch swellings and serial shoots of the plant are
conspicuous indications of infection. Brooms may form. On larger trees, they
become well developed and are easily observed. Swelling because of trunk
infection is not as pronounced as that in true firs. However, in some cases, old
trunk infections result in open, pitch-infiltrated bole cankers.
N-17
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(23-009) Limber Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum)
Host:
Major hosts are limber pine, whitebark pine, Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine,
and Great Basin bristlecone pine. It has also been reported to severely infect
western white pine at Mount Shasta, CA, and mountain hemlock in the Cascade
Mountains, OR. It occasionally infects foxtail pine in the Siskiyou Mountains of
northern California and rarely infects lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine in
Colorado.
Distribution
Female shoots
(23-011) Douglas-Fir Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii)
Host:
Douglas-fir. Not found in stands east of the Continental Divide in Montana, most
of Wyoming, northern Colorado, and west of the Cascade Range (except near the
crest) and north of the Siskiyou Mountains of Oregon. True firs and spruces are
rarely infected where associated with infected Douglas-firs.
(23-013) Larch Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium laricis)
Host:
Western larch is the principal species. Mountain hemlock is severely parasitized
in the Bitterroot Mountains of northern Idaho and western Montana. Lodgepole
pine is frequently parasitized when growing in association with infected
western larch. Subalpine fir, ponderosa pine, and Pacific silver fir are
occasionally parasitized.
Distribution
Female flowers
Witches broom
DECLINE COMPLEXES/DIEBACK/WILTS (Category 24)
(24-004) Ash Decline/Yellow
Host:
Injury:
White and green ash
The cause is unknown. Drought plays an important role. The disease, which
appears to begin in the tips of small twigs, gradually works into larger branches.
The leaves are pale yellow-green and may be slightly dwarfed. Small twigs and
branches begin to die throughout the crown. On any one branch, the line
between dead and living wood is evident. Callus ridges form, particularly where
small limbs join larger ones. The trees may produce water sprouts along the
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
trunk or on the branches. Yellowish to reddish-brown sunken cankers form on
dying twigs and branches. Eventually the crown becomes thin and tufted, and
the leaves and leaflets dwarfed. The foliage in the stag-headed crown may be
reduced to a small area near the top of the tree. Infected trees do not
recover.(24-022) Dutch Elm Disease (Ceratocystis ulmi)
American and European species of elm
Symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves,
brownish or purplish brown streaking of the wood under the bark, and crown
dieback. Symptoms normally progress rapidly through the crown. Complete
wilting often occurs within six weeks of infection.
No fruiting bodies of this fungus are seen in the field.
FOLIAGE DISEASES (Category 25)
Generally, foliage diseases affect specific age classes of needles. Needles prematurely turn yellow,
then red, then tan, and are often associated with red or black fruiting bodies. Often only one year’s
needles are visibly affected. Foliage diseases are seldom a serious problem, except Rhabdocline in
Christmas tree and nursery stock, and Elytroderma in ponderosa pine.
Needle rusts are identified by the yellow-orange spore masses, a sticky sweet substance, and
yellowed, swollen, twisted nature of the affected needles. Conifers, except western redcedar and
yew, may be infected with needle rusts. The so-called “yellow witches brooms” on spruce and “true
firs” are dense yellow-green clusters of rust-infected foliage. Other needle rusts affect current
year’s one, two, or three year old needles, and then usually only 2-5 needles per branch are affected.
Needle cast diseases of “true” firs are common, affecting 1- to 3-year old needles, often with a dark
brown or black swelling along center of the needle. Needle cast of pines and larch often produces
black football-shaped bodies, black dots, or black lines on prematurely dead, bleached needles. (On
lodgepole pine, the black bodies are not often found). Red bands appear on the previous year’s
needles of pines with the “red band” disease.
(25-001) Blight
Blight is a loose tern for a disease causing rapid death or dieback.
(25-002) Broom Rust
Broom rust causes “brooms” in the foliage. A broom is an abnormally profuse, dense mass of host
branches and foliage.
(25-003) Juniper Blight
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Junipers, cypress, Japanese yew, red cedar, giant sequoia and redwood
Tips of branches turn brown with progressive die back until a whole branch or
even a young tree is killed. Trees over 5 years old are less seriously injured.
Small, sunken lesions give a flattened appearance to some seedlings.
Spores on diseased twigs ooze out in little tendrils in moist weather, to be
spread by splashing water or insects. Entrance is through unbroken tissue as
well as wounds. The stem is killed above and below the point of entrance.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(25-004) Leaf Spots
Leaf spots on trees may be caused by insects, toxic gasses, bacteria, and fungi. The characteristic
symptom is the formation of dead areas in the leaf. The areas vary in size and shape.
(25-005) Needlecast
Depending on the identity of the infecting fungus, needles begin to turn yellow-brown by winter or
early spring. Later, the browning progresses, and fungal fruiting bodies are produced. These small,
black, fruiting bodies may be bordered by brown or yellow margins, or both. In the more advanced
stages, the tree has a scorched appearance. The fungus can be identified only after examining the
spores microscopically.
(25-006) Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by several genera of fungi. Many occur on hardwoods, attacking leaves
or occasionally fruits and young twigs. They are unknown on conifers. Usually the damage is slight
except when young trees, particularly sprouts, are attacked. They are mostly confined to the upper
of lower surface of leaves, forming a white, superficial, cobweb like growth of hyphae.
(25-013) Large-Spored Spruce-Laborador Tea Rust (Chrysomyxa ledicola)
Host:
Injury:
White, black, red, blue, Engelmann, and Sitka spruces
This rust frequently discolors infected needles so badly that the trees appear
yellowish in color.
(25-014) Ink Spot of Aspen (Ciborinia whetzelii)
Hosts:
Injury:
Aspen and highbred poplar
The symptoms include black, inky looking spots on the leaves.
Host:
Most two- and three-needle pines, primarily in Christmas tree plantations and
nurseries
Infected pines often have white-orange blisters on the needles. Although these
are actually fruiting structures of the fungus, they are an obvious feature of
infection.
The fungus has four stages. The first stage on the pine needles looks like small,
white-orange “sacks.” Aecispores infect the alternate host, which results in
orange, powdery spores on the leaves. Later, orange, cushion-like objects, called
telia, are produced on the underside of the leaf. The last stage looks like frosty,
orange droplets on the pine needles.
(25-015) Pine Needle Rust (Coleosporium spp.)
Injury:
Description:
(25-019) Cedar Leaf Blight (Didymascella thujina)
Host:
Injury:
Cedars
It is severest on seedlings and the lower branches of older trees. The foliage is
attacked, and in severe cases appears as if scorched by fire. In late autumn,
many young infected twigs drop off. On the remaining leaves, the presence of
the disease is easily recognized by the deep pits, which remain in the leaves
after the fruiting bodies drop out.
N-20
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
In spring, circular to elliptical olive-brown to black fruiting bodies are formed in
the upper surfaces of infected leaves. These are exposed by the rupture of the
covering host epidermis.
(25-020) Dogwood Anthracnose (Discula spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Dogwood
Causes a blue stain of the sapwood. The grayish, dark blue or blackish
discoloration may appear as spots, streaks, or irregular areas on the surface of a
board or end of log.
(25-022) Elytroderm Needlecast (Elytroderma deformans)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa, Jeffrey, and lodgepole pine, pinyon pines occasionally infected
It causes stunting and reddening of needles (best observed in spring and early
summer), upward curving of branches, defoliation, and witches’ brooms.
Witches’ brooms tend to be compact balls that curve upward. (Distinguish from
dwarf mistletoe brooms by lack of dwarf mistletoe plants, presence of fruiting
bodies on needles, and compact “balled” nature.) Severe infection can lead to
tree death. Thin black lines of fruiting bodies are produced on dead and dying
needles of the previous year’s growth. Infection is usually heaviest in
understory poles and large saplings, and in dense stands. Most infection occurs
at edges of meadows, in wide draws, and on gentle slopes where cool moist air
drainage is common. One-year needles of 2-3 needle pines visibly infected, die
after 1 year.
(25-023) Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora)
Hosts:
Injury:
Hawthorn, mountain ash, and various fruit trees
Blossoms and leaves of infected twigs suddenly wilt, turn dark brown to black,
shrivel and die, but remain attached to twigs. The bark is shrunken, dark brown
to purplish, sometimes blistered with gum oozing out. Brown or black blighted
branches with dead persistent leaves look as if scorched by fire. There are
cankers, which are dead, slightly shrunken areas with a definite margin or slight
crack where dead tissue has shrunk away from living.
(25-027) Brown Felt Blight (Snow Mold) (Herpotichia juniperi)
Host:
Injury:
Grand fir, subalpine fir, juniper, Engelmann spruce, western hemlock, pines
Snow covered foliage is infected and killed resulting in branch death and
occasional death of seedlings. Needles are matted together by thick growth of
gray, black, or brown mycelium on portions of the tree which were covered by
snow. The appearance is unique and easily recognized.
(25-028) Larch Needle Blight (Hypodermella laricis)
Host:
Injury:
Western larch
This often occurs together with Meria. Yellowing and browning of scattered
needles on the branches and needle casting is apparent. Needles with brown
spots or bands as well as dead tips are present. Both kill infected needles.
Growth loss can result from severe infections particularly if successive years of
severe infections occur. Seedlings can be killed by severe infections. Spur
shoots and, occasionally, succulent new shoots can be killed. Infection is usually
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
heaviest low in the crown. Needle cast causes infected needles to be shed within
a few weeks of infection. Needle blight kills infected needles quickly and causes
the dead needles to remain attached to the spur shoots for 1 to 3 years. It begins
infecting needles in early spring and continues to re-infect throughout the
summer if rainy weather continues. Infected needles have discolored spots or
bands which are yellow at first, becoming red-brown. Within a month of
infection, the needles drop to the ground.
(25-032) Fir Needle Cast (Lirula spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White, grand, Noble, Pacific silver, and California red firs
They occur sporadically and only attack one year’s compliment of needles. If
several successive years of infection were to occur, they would defoliate trees
and affect growth and vigor. This is significant on Christmas tree plantations.
The fungi may be identified by their elongate, dark brown to black fruiting
bodies on two year old or older straw colored needles. The fruiting bodies
extend down the center of the lower needle surface for almost its full length.
(25-033) White Pine Needle Cast (Lophodermella arcuata)
Host:
Injury:
Sugar pine and western white pine
It attacks only the current year’s needles, and a single attack results in only
partial defoliation. Repeated infections have led to reduced vigor and growth,
and occasionally mortality. The fungus infects newly developed foliage.
Infected foliage remains green an entire year until the following spring when the
needles turn brown. This browning appears before bud break, giving heavily
infected trees a scorched appearance. Fruiting bodies appear in July and August.
The needles are cast in mid to late summer.
(25-034) Lodgepole Pine Needle Cast (Lophodermella spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Lodgepole pine
Reddish diseased needles are easily confused with winter damage except for
several distinguishing symptoms caused only by a needle cast. These are; treeto-tree variation in color, individual needle discoloration that begins at random
spots, only one age class is involved, and sunken, colorless spots of fruiting
bodies may be visible on needles.
(25-035) Lophodermium Needle Cast (Lophodermium pinastri)
Host:
Injury:
Red pine seedlings and Scots pine of all ages
Damage is usually more severe on the lower part of the tree, but the whole tree
may become infected. Nursery seedlings may be killed, and entire beds often
turn brown. Small gray-black spots form on the needles in the spring. The spots
later turn brown with yellow margins. The entire needle eventually turns
yellow then brown. Tree often have green foliage on tips of branches, but dead
or missing 2- and 3-year old needles. Small black fruiting bodies form on dead
needles.
(25-036) Marssonina Blight (Marssonina populi)
Host:
Poplars and aspen
N-22
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
It causes a leaf spot and shoot blight. In cases of heavy infections, it results in
premature defoliation.
(25-037) Melamposra Rusts (Melsmpsora medusae)
Host:
Injury:
Cottonwood
Yellow or orange pustules, containing spores, form on the under-surface of the
leaves in mid-summer. These are replaced by dark brown fungal growths in the
fall.
(25-039) Larch Needle Cast (Meria laricis)
Host:
Injury:
Western larch
Meria and Hypodermella often occur together. Yellowing and browning of
scattered needles on the branches and needle casting is apparent. Needles with
brown spots or bands as well as dead tips are present. Both kill infected
needles. Growth loss can result from severe infections particularly if successive
years of severe infections occur. Seedlings can be killed by severe infections.
Infection is usually heaviest low in the crown. Needle cast causes infected
needles to be shed within a few weeks of infection. Needle blight kills infected
needles quickly and causes the dead needles to remain attached to the spur
shoots for 1 to 3 years.
(25-040) Dothistroma Needle Blight (Mycosphaerella pini)
Host:
Injury:
Pines along the eastern Rockies and north Pacific Coast
The disease is distinguished by a small reddish band encircling the infected
needle. Fruiting bodies of the causal fungus develop during July below the
needle epidermis, and raise and split the epidermis. Needles may die soon after
first appearance of symptoms, and these needles are cast prematurely. The
fungus often causes severe damage in pine plantations, and infection in certain
new plantings has indicated that seedlings infected in the nursery have been
responsible for disease outbreaks in those plantings. The fungus has been
commonly found on 4- to 5-year-old pine transplants in some nurseries that
produce pines for landscape plantings.
(25-041) Brown Felt Blight of Pines (Neopeckia coulteri)
Host:
Injury:
Pines
Attacks the foliage. This fungus is usually found at high elevations of
mountainous regions, where enough snow falls to meet the unique
requirements of the fungi. The disease develops under the cover of snow;
therefore, its attack is limited to smaller trees and the lower branches of larger
trees that are buried under snow in the winter. The fungus envelops twigs and
needles in a dark brown, felt like growth. Needles within the felt are infected
and killed. This disease may occasionally kill seedlings and saplings that are
covered by snow, but it has little effect on trees once they reach the pole size.
N-23
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
(25-042) Snow Blight (Phacidum abietis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White fir, grand fir, subalpine fir, and Douglas-fir
The fungus attacks all ages of needles during winter while under cover of snow.
After the snow has melted, the infected needles remain on the tree and turn
brown. Only the needles covered by snow are attacked.
In summer and fall, dark brown round to oval disc like fruiting bodies break
through the lower epidermis of the needle. The fruiting bodies are arranged in
two rows, one on either side of the midrib. The following year the needles
remain attached to the host and turn gray. The fruiting bodies fall away, leaving
a cavity in the lower needle surface.
(25-043) Swiss Needle Cast (Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir
The fungus attacks the needles, causing them to turn yellow, brown, and finally
drop. Only needles 3 years old and older show signs of infection. The small
fruiting bodies push their way through the stomata in fall and winter and
mature in spring. The numerous small black spherical fruiting bodies appear as
soot like streaks on the undersurface of the needle along each side of the midrib.
(25-049) Fir Needle Rust (Pucciniastrum spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Grand fir and subalpine fir
Needles are killed within 1 or 2 years of infection. Severe infections may reduce
growth. The greatest infection generally occurs low in the crown. A single
year’s compliment of needles is usually most severely infected at a time.
Chronic infections leave trees with thin crowns and dead lower branches. It
infects the current year’s needles. Fruiting bodies develop in early or late
summer. Infected needles turn yellow and have protruding pustules of white or
yellow spores on lower surfaces.
(25-050) Douglas-Fir Needle Cast (Rhabdocline spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir
Swiss needle cast has small round black fruiting bodies erupting from stomata
are most visible winter through early summer on one to two-year-old needles.
Rhabdocline has fruiting bodies that are tan with flaps of epidermis. Red-brown
needle spots evolving into long, cushion-like fruiting bodies (best seen in spring)
form on both sides of the midrib on the underside of needles. Most often 1-year
old needles are visibly affected, but in late fall the current year’s needles may
also turn yellow. Red-orange pustules appear in the needles. Mortality seldom
occurs except in seedling-sapling size.
(25-054) Brown Spot Needle Blight (Scirrhia acicola)
Host:
Injury:
28 species of pine from Virginia to Texas, into the mid- and north-central States,
and into Oregon. It causes losses to Christmas tree plantations, especially Scots
pine, in the mid- and north-central States. Short-needled Scots pine varieties are
more susceptible to fungal attack than the long-needled varieties. Brown spot is
also abundant on all sizes of loblolly pine, but causes little damage.
The fungus causes two kinds of needle spots. These appear on needles at any
time of the year, but most commonly from May through October on longleaf, and
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
during August on Scots pine. The most common spot is straw yellow at first,
later changing to a light brown, often with chestnut-brown borders. Darkpurplish borders are common after the advent of cool weather in the autumn.
Individual spots are usually one-eighth inch in diameter. When the needle dies,
the green tissue between the spots shrinks more than the diseased areas and the
resulting embossed appearance is the most distinctive symptom. Needles with
multiple infections take on a mottled appearance.
The second spot, called bar spot, is less common. It is a combination of a
brownish spot on an amber-yellow band about one-eighth inch wide. The tissue
between the bands often remains green. Bar spots are infiltrated with resin that
prevents normal growth and fruiting of the fungus. Both spot types have
distinctly defined margins, a feature which readily distinguishes them from
those caused by other needle diseases. The infected needle of long-leaf pine
usually has three distinct zones: the basal portion, which is green, the middle
portion which is mottled, and the apical portion which consists of dead needle
tissue. With the gradual death of needles, the affected parts curve outward,
down, and finally assume an orange-red color similar to those killed by fire. The
characteristic spots remain visible even after the needle dies.
With repeated infections, long-leaf seedlings are characterized by a long
needleless stem with a tuft of severely infected needles at the base of the
terminal end. The unusual growth habit of longleaf pine makes it especially
susceptible to brown spot. The normal 3- to 5-year grass stage presents an
excellent target for fungal infection. Active height growth is inhibited for many
years and the young trees may die. The majority of infected Scots pine needles
are found on the lower branches of the tree, especially on the north side.
Infected needles, of all ages, start dying from the tips backward until the entire
needle turns brown and drops. This occurs during October and November. The
result is mostly bare branches. In severe cases, branches are killed, but usually
buds of infected branches remain healthy and produce new foliage the following
spring. The new foliage becomes infected, continuing the disease cycle.
Infected tree
Infected needles
(25-056) Septoria Leaf Spot and Canker (Septoria musiva)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Native hybrids bred from black poplar, balsam poplar, cottonwood, and Russian poplar
The fungus causes brown leaf spots with yellowish or white centers. These spots may
affect as much as half the leaf tissue. Cankers are formed in twigs of the current season’s
growth. The fungus does not girdle the stems, but the cankers may allow entry of other
fungi that do.
Small, black, asexual fruiting structures develop on both cankers and leaves. It overwinters in tiny, black, flask-shaped sexual fruiting bodies on branches and fallen leaves.
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(25-058) Diplodia Blight (Sphaeropsis sapinea)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine
New shoots are killed by the canker-causing fungus. Severe infections may lead to death
of trees of all sizes. Stunted new shoots or flagged branches with drooping red or gray
needles occur anywhere in crown. Needles are infected as they emerge from the sheath.
Infected needles are stunted and may have a resinous droplet associated with the
infection point. The fungus commonly girdles the entire new shoot by the end of
summer. Minute, round, black fruiting bodies are produced on twigs, bases of needles,
or on cone scales.
(25-061) Shepard’s Crook (Venturia tremulae)
Host:
Injury:
Quaking aspen and bigtooth aspen
Angular leaf spots form in early simmer and enlarge until the entire leaf is blackened
and wilted. The fungus spreads down the stem of the leaf and blackens the shoot. The
shoot then withers and forms a characteristic “Shepard’s crook”. Under moist
conditions, dark-greenish spores form on the infected leaves and shoots. Severe
outbreaks rarely occur in successive years, and the fungus invades and kills only the
current year’s tissue. The repeated loss of current growth can cause stag-headed trees.
Trees older than 5 years are seldom affected.
(25-065) Spruce Needle Rust (Chrysomyxa weirii)
Host:
Injury:
Engelmann and red spruce
The waxy orange to orange-brown elongate-elliptical telia occur on 1-year old needles
causing yellowish spots. This rust occasionally becomes epidemic causing considerable
defoliation.
(25-067) Spruce Needle Cast (Lophodermium picea)
Host:
Injury:
Engelmann and Sitka spruce
The black elliptical fruiting bodies occur in longitudinal rows on either side of the
middle ridge of the outer faces of the needles. The areas occupied by one, or a group of,
fruiting bodies are separated from one another by heavy black lines extending through
the needle and along which the needle readily breaks.
(25-068) Hardwood Leaf Rusts (Melampsora spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Poplar
Young trees can be severely damaged. In the summer, golden-yellow or orange powdery
pustules appear on the undersides of the leaves, either scattered or so closely crowded
that the entire surface seems powdery. In late summer and autumn, small slightly raised
areas or crusts appear. At first orange yellow in color, they change to dark brown or
black.
(25-072) Sirococcus Shoot Blight (Sirococcus strobilinus)
Host:
Injury:
Hard pines in nurseries and in natural reproduction in the Pacific Northwest
It causes tip blight and produces sunken, purplish cankers on the stems of current year’s
growth. Young needles are infected first, and small black fruiting bodies develop on
stem cankers and infected needles as the cankers mature. These fruiting bodies produce
spores that are dispersed to other seedlings by splashing water droplets. The spores
then germinate and infect young needles of susceptible seedlings. Restricted stem
growth in a cankered area causes the terminal to curl. Trees with multiple infections are
killed; additional nursery losses result from culling of deformed stock.
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Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
(25-073) Shepard’s Crook (Venturia populina)
Host:
Injury:
Balsam poplar
Angular leaf spots form in early simmer and enlarge until the entire leaf is blackened
and wilted. The fungus spreads down the stem of the leaf and blackens the shoot. The
shoot then withers and forms a characteristic “Shepard’s crook”. Under moist
conditions, dark-greenish spores form on the infected leaves and shoots. Severe
outbreaks rarely occur in successive years, and the fungus invades and kills only the
current year’s tissue. The repeated loss of current growth can cause stag-headed trees.
Trees older than 5 years are seldom affected.
(25-074) Delphinella Shoot Blight (Delphinella abietis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Subalpine fir and grand fir
New shoots and leaves are killed in spring or early summer. Shoots and needles wilt and
shrivel. Severe infection halts branch and terminal growth for season; chronic infections
result in bushy trees because terminal buds are killed.
Earliest signs of infection are slightly chlorotic needles on new shoots in spring. Needles
may be girdled by cankers at their bases. As the fungus moves into shoots, shoots begin
to wilt and shrivel. Infections occurring early in the season tend to kill all needles on a
shoot and all or most of the shoot. Later season infections may kill selected needles,
only the tips of some needles, and only the tips of new shoots. Tiny, round, black fruiting
bodies develop on the upper surfaces of needles and on dead shoots in midsummer.
Dead needles and shoots are red or brown the first year after infection and gray or black
the second year. Blighted shoots and needles remain attached for one to several years.
STEM RUSTS (Category 26)
Some fungi invade stems and branches and cause localized infection in the bark and underlying woody
tissues; these necrotic lesions are called cankers. The initial symptom is a localized swelling; over time, this
tissue dies and contracts, leaving sunken dead areas. Cankers on the main stem may kill the tree by girdling;
those on branches usually cause only flagging. Cankers are often bordered by ridges of callus tissue. Field
identification of cankers is based on host species and shape of stem swelling, as shown in the following key.
Five-needle pines:
• Spindle or diamond-shaped swelling with yellow- green margins, dead bark “blistered” and cracked,
and orange-yellow spores present in late spring/early summer indicate White pine blister rust.
Two- or three-needle pines:
• Slight swellings longer than wide (2:1 or 3:1), resin-soaked orange spores present in early summer
indicate Comandra rust.
• Slight swelling very long and narrow (10:1 length to width); resin- soaked wood with bark missing
from canker face, roughly diamond- shaped indicate Stalactiform rust.
• Pronounced, globose swellings, as wide as long (1:1) indicate Western gall rust.
(26-001) White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola)
Host:
Injury:
All 5-needle pines including white pine, whitebark pine, sugar pine, limber pine, and
Southwestern white pine
Areas of bark may be discolored (outer edges of the discoloration yellowish-green to
orange). The bark contains shallow blisters and masses of orange aeciospores. The
stem and branches may contain spindle or diamond-shaped swelling accompanied by
scaly lesions and black scars. There is copious resin exudation from ruptured bark in
the area of infection. The girdled tops or branches will produce red “flagging” of the
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Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
foliage. Saplings and seedlings usually die from infections, and larger trees can
sometimes be killed. Ribes spp. (currants and gooseberries) is an alternate host.
(26-002) Western Gall Rust (Peridermium harknessii)
Host:
Injury:
2- and 3-needle pines including ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine
Galls form on infected branches or stems. It is distinguished by round or pear-shaped
galls that may grow to 12 inches in diameter. Pustules of yellow or orange spores form
in bark cracks on galls in spring. Galls grow each year until they eventually girdle the
branch or stem. Stem infections may result in “hip cankers” (flattened swellings wider
than the tree’s diameter) that remain active for up to 200 years before the stem is
completely girdled.
(26-003) Stalactiform Blister Rust (Cronartium coleosporioides)
Host:
Injury:
Lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, and ponderosa pine
Cankers have resin-soaked wood. Mostly found in lower crowns in Jeffery pine. Cankers
are many times longer than they are wide and covered by heavy resin flow. Branch
infections cause flagging; main stem infections may cause top dieback or tree death.
Rodent chewing of the bark and cambium near the canker edges is usually evident.
(26-004) Comandra Blister Rust (Cronartium comandrae)
Host:
Injury:
2- and 3-needle pines, especially lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine
Wood in the canker area is resin-soaked, and copious amounts of resin may flow from
the canker. Other symptoms are similar to those for white pine blister rust on white
pines. Spindle-shaped cankers appear on branches and main stems and flagging of
infected branches is common. Top kill and tree mortality are prevalent. Porcupines and
other rodents generally chew the margins of cankers.
Canker on branch and main
stem of lodgepole pine
Areas of management
concern
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Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
BROOM RUSTS (Category 27)
(27-001) Spruce Broom Rust (Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli)
Host:
Injury:
Engelmann spruce
The alternate host is kinnikinnik. Broom rusts produce typically upright, compact,
yellow witches’ brooms with dense growth of many small and shortened branches. The
diseased needles within the broom are generally short and thickened. Needles drop
from brooms in autumn; brooms appear dead in winter. New needles are yellowishgreen in color. Brooms are most conspicuous in mid-summer due to color of the needles
coupled with the presence of yellow-orange spore pustules on infected needles. Broom
rust witches’ brooms are often mistakenly identified as dwarf mistletoe witches’
brooms. Presence of dwarf mistletoe plants should be used to separate the two causal
agents. Spore pustules are not associated with dwarf mistletoe infections. Dwarf
mistletoe infection does not usually result in conspicuously shortened and thickened
needles
(27-003) Juniper Broom Rust (Gymnosporangium nidus-avis)
Host:
Injury:
Mountain ash; eastern red and southern red cedars; Rocky Mountain junipers
This causes the typical “witches broom” formations. In addition, the leaves may take on
the awl-shaped juvenile form. This rust also causes long spindle shaped swellings on the
trunks and branches of large trees, which may result in death.
(27-004) Fir Broom Rust (Melampsorella caryophyllacearum)
Host:
Injury:
True fir
The alternate host is Chickweed. Broom rusts produce typically upright, compact, yellow
witches’ brooms with dense growth of many small and shortened branches. The
diseased needles within the broom are generally short and thickened. Needles drop
from brooms in autumn; brooms appear dead in winter. New needles are yellowishgreen in color. Brooms are most conspicuous in mid-summer due to color of the needles
coupled with the presence of yellow-orange spore pustules on infected needles. Broom
rust witches’ brooms are often mistakenly identified as dwarf mistletoe witches’
brooms. Presence of dwarf mistletoe plants should be used to separate the two causal
agents. Spore pustules are not associated with dwarf mistletoe infections. Dwarf
mistletoe infection does not usually result in conspicuously shortened and thickened
needles.
FIRE (Category 30)
(30-000) Fire
Damage usually occurs as basal scars. The charred or blackened wood will remain for many years and serves
as positive identification. While fire scars serve as an avenue for infection, often in tree species such as
ponderosa pine, little more than the first four feet may be cull. Fire damage that has killed more than half the
cambium of the bole circumference has seriously affected the tree's chance of survival. Fire damage from
ground fires that reach into the upper crown should also be considered severe. Fire damage that affects less
than ½ the cambium or ground fires that have damaged foliage on the lower crown, is usually not serious,
depending on the tree.
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Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
WILD ANIMALS (Category 41)
(41-001) Bears
Bark is removed from the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the stem, and bark strips are usually present near the base of
the tree. Vertical striations are often visible on the cambium.
(41-002) Beaver
Seedlings and saplings are severed near the ground or saplings are stripped of lateral branches. Tooth marks
visible, burrows with loose soil in area. Wide tooth marks on the remaining stumps. Damage occurs near
creeks or ponds, where beaver dams are usually evident.
(41-003) Big game
Deer and elk will clip terminal and lateral shoots within their reach. Often a distinct “browse line” is visible.
Antler rubbing of young stems strips the bark, often several feet in length. Droppings and tracks may be
present near damaged trees. Trample and uproot newly planted seedlings.
(41-004) Mice or voles
Mice and voles sometimes girdle the stems of small trees, and may cause heavy damage in areas with thick
grass cover. Signs of mouse activity include runways that are about 2 inches wide and cleared of vegetation,
piles of droppings, small caches of clipped grass, and tooth marks in the cambium or wood.
(41-005) Pocket gophers
These rodents feed on seedling roots, weakening or killing the trees. Flattened, fan-shaped mounds of soil
with obvious holes can be used to identify pocket gopher activity. (Moles--insect eaters that do not usually
damage trees--create “volcano-shaped” mounds without obvious holes. Do not associate these with pocket
gopher presence.)
(41-006) Porcupines
Porcupines often cause damage in young stands of fast-growing timber where they seem to favor the very
best trees. They may climb 20-30 feet to girdle the stem in the upper portion of the crown. Large bark chips
may be found at the base of the tree. This damage may kill the top, thus deforming the tree and reducing the
growth rate.
(41-007) Rabbits or Hares
Stems and lower branches may be stripped or girdled by rabbits and hares. Damage occurs only as high on
the stem as these animals can reach when standing on their hind legs. Small branches may be clipped off with
clean, slanted cuts. Droppings and tracks may be visible near damaged trees.
(41-008) Sapsucker
Sapsuckers, particularly the yellow-bellied sapsucker in the East, often injure or kill trees. These birds favor
yellow birch, paper birch, hemlock, and aspen, but also damage other species. Sapsuckers drill small holes in
the trees and drink the sap or feed it to their young. They nest in hollow trees (usually aspen) near their
“orchards” and return repeatedly to favorite trees. When heavily drilled, a section of bark dies, and decay
fungi can enter the tree. Sometimes the tree, or top of the tree, is completely girdled and killed. Sapsucker
holes cause defects in lumber. The injuries also lead to separation of the wood layers within the tree, called
“shake.”
(41-009) Squirrels
Needle fascicles from cone-bearing portions of a tree are clipped and left scattered on the ground within the
drip line of the tree's crown. Can clip or girdle small seedlings. They also chew on bark around lesion areas.
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DOMESTIC ANIMALS (Category 42)
(42-000) Livestock
Trample smaller trees and seedlings. Livestock can rub off the bark when they are scratching. Damage from
grazing by domestic animals is usually confined to trees of seedling-sapling size, and is serious when the trees
have become so decimated or deformed it is unlikely they will develop into marketable products.
ABIOTIC DAMAGE (Category 50)
Local knowledge of weather conditions, particularly recent events such as windstorms, spring frosts,
temperature inversions, etc., is useful for determining if observed injuries to trees are weather related.
(50-001) Air Pollution
Air pollution injury occurs when toxic gases are emitted from smelters, reduction plants, or coal-burning
industries and power plants. The foliage usually absorbs the gases for a prolonged period before the injury
becomes visible. Symptoms and severity of damage vary between tree species, between concentration and
type of gas, duration of exposure, and distance from the source. Discoloration of conifer needles starts at the
tips, while broad-leaved foliage is affected first in the tissues between the veins, giving the leaf a mottled
appearance. Foliage, buds, branches, and entire trees may be killed; damage sometimes occurs over an
extensive area.
(50-002) Chemical
Drift and misapplication of herbicides can often damage non-target trees. All tree species can be damaged.
Identification is done primarily through symptom expression of the tree and determination of the method
and rate of nearby chemical applications. Some chemicals cause growth abnormalities such as cupping or
twisting of foliage while others cause foliage yellowing or browning, defoliation, or death.
(50-003) Drought
All ages of needles can be affected. Older needles are brown or red. The new flush appears wilted, turning
from light tan to yellow to brown. Trees undergoing moisture stress may lose needles, grow slowly, wilt, and
eventually die. These weakened trees are often attacked by other agents.
(50-005) Frost
Frost damage to foliage usually occurs when new foliage or shoots are exposed to extremely cold
temperatures. The foliage appears blighted, and may wilt or turn red; generally, only the needle tips are
tinged. Frost damage is known mostly by its occurrence in a localized area at a given time. Frost damage to
foliage usually occurs when a warm spell is followed by a cold snap. Generally, only the needle tips are
tinged.
(50-006) Hail
Hailstorms can cause several levels and types of damage, from wounding of the bark and cambium to death of
young trees and sprouts. The degree of damage depends on severity of the storm, size of the hailstones, and
time of year. Conifer shoot breakage or laceration of hardwood leaves may sharply check tree growth.
Severe bruising or breaking of the bark and cambium may create entry points for wood decay fungi and
insects. Younger stems with tender bark or trees with developing foliage in early spring are most seriously
damaged. Trees with flexible stems and tender bark, such as eastern white pine, are especially susceptible to
hail damage.
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(50-008) Lightning
Lightning can sometimes kill the tree as well as shatter the wood, create an open wound through which
infection can enter, retard growth, etc. Lightning scars tend to spiral around the tree. Trees that survive
lightning strikes are often attacked by bark beetles, decay fungi, or other agents.
(50-010) Radiation
Rapid increases in stem temperature may kill plant tissue. When this damage occurs, it is often found on the
south or west sides of tree boles.
(50-011) Snow/Ice
Snow damage occurs as breakage due to heavy loads of snow that break off limbs, or bend over the trees in
the case of seedlings and saplings. Such bent over trees seldom recover, and the damage is serious. Bole
cracks occur usually during extremely low temperatures, especially when there is a sudden drop in
temperature. The inside of the tree is warmer than the outside. The outside shrinks faster causing a split to
occur. These cracks provide avenues for infection and damage the wood, but they often close and heal over,
and the tree may remain sound. Bole cracks tend to run up and down on the same side of the tree.
(50-013) Wind/Tornado
Wind damage usually occurs as blow downs, where trees are uprooted and blown over. This may occur in
residual stands after logging or following a windstorm. Tops may be broken out of trees. A rare phenomenon
is jet stream touchdown, which sometimes hits areas of 4-2O acres, creating a real havoc in which trees are
broken up as well as blown down.
(50-014) Winter Injury
Winter winds may lead to severe drought for exposed trees that are not able to replace water lost through
transpiration. Also known as parch blight, this condition causes foliage to turn brown in late winter or early
spring and may lead to shoot die back or tree death. Damage is pronounced on the windward side of trees. In
mountainous country, injury may be confined to an elevation zone corresponding to the pathway of drying
winds or to the transition zone between warm and cold air in a temperature inversion; hence the name “red
belt.”
HUMAN ACTIVITIES (Category 70)
(70-007) Logging Damage
Logging damage appears as trunk and basal scars or wounds caused by falling trees, scraping along the trunk
or logs being skidded against the base of the tree. Leave trees may suffer certain damage same as logging
damage from removal of excess trees during thinning.
(70-014) Road Salt
Most damage is to the foliage, but eventually the roots may be killed. Damage stems primarily from salt
applied to streets and highways during snow and ice storms. Calcium-based salts are less damaging than
sodium salts. Trace elements within the salt, such as bromine, can reduce the degree of tree resistance to
other pests.
Salt injury lowers the cold-hardiness of several species. Species subject to winter injury are generally more
susceptible to salt injury than cold-hardy species. Trees planted north of their natural ranges are more likely
to be injured. Some trees resistant to salt injury are black locust, honey locust, ponderosa pine, green ash,
mulberry, Japanese black pine, and eastern red-cedar. Trees susceptible are white pine, sugar maple, red
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maple, larch, cottonwood, aspen, basswood, black walnut, red pine, hemlock, balsam fir, northern white
cedar, beech, and white spruce.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS (Category 99)
(99-012) Poor Growth
trees that exhibit relatively low vigor and/or slow growth for the site conditions. Large trees will exhibit
signs of decline, such as fading or sparse crowns, not readily attributable to other pathogens. Small trees will
exhibit short height growths between branch whorls and short needles.
Large trees – foliage sparse or
fading, general decline
Poor growth seedlings
(99-013) Total board foot volume loss (whole tree)
(99-014) Total cubit foot volume loss (whole tree)
Seen defect is that portion of the tree that is defective or unmerchantable, and has enough indicators to
determine the extent of the defect. All deductions will be made as a percentage of the tree, in whole numbers.
Observe what caused breakage, crack depth along the sides of butt logs compared to middle ant top logs, and
cat faces caused by fire scars. Observe old and new damage.
Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Cull includes any part of the tree, above the stump and below the specified top D.I.B., which is
unmerchantable because of defect.
Deductions are made by log and added together for the trees deduction. An example would be, log l
has 12% deduction, and log 2 has 6% deduction. When added together, it is an 18% deduction for
the tree.
Defects occurring in the stump, with no visible indicators occurring in bottom of the first log, are not
considered for deductions.
External Indicators of Defects include:
Fire scars
Cat faces
Conks
Rotten knots
Cankers
Crook
Sweep
Frost cracks
Lightning scars Weeping burls
Missing tops
Shake - spangle
Estimate and record cull or missing logs as a percentage of the total tree.
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Seen Defect Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Determine the merchantable height
Determine the number of logs
Determine which log the defect is in
Determine the length affected by the defect
Determine the fraction of this length affected
•
•
Measure the height to the break; add an additional 2 feet for shatter.
If a dead top includes merchantable material, include the entire tree down to the first set of green
limbs. The dead portion will probably shatter upon hitting the ground and be unmerchantable.
Broken/Dead Top Trees
Example: the height to the break is 34 feet, the top of the second log. The merchantable height was 47
feet. The entire third log is gone and counted as 22% defect. An additional 2-foot loss for shatter is
accounted for in the second log. Each foot in the second log has 2.1% of the volume, hence 2’x 2.1% =
4.2% defect. The total deduction is 26%.
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Fire Scars/Cat Faces
With some defects, a deduction is not necessary because very little wood fiber is affected. Some injuries
look bad but upon closer inspection, very little damage has occurred, such as a lightning strike that only
peels the bark or a cat face that is in the stump only. Species is a critical element on defects that cause a
fiber loss. If the visible wood is gray with long continuous cracks and wormholes, this usually indicates
that the scar occurred some time ago and has penetrated the bole of the tree. Bird holes, ants, and wood
dust at the base of the tree, are also good indicators that rot may be present. Older scars may have the
bark curling around with the visible wood deep inside. If any of these conditions exist, extend the defect
an additional two feet above the last visible indicators. For a lightning defect, add an addtional 2 feet
above and below the visible indicators.
The most common method is to make a wedge shaped, or “pie cut,” estimate of the portion of the tree
affected for the length of the defect. A common pie cut fractions is ¼, ½, 1/3, and 2/3.
Example: a white fir tree, with a merchantable height of 41 feet, has a four-foot fire scar. Because the
species is white fir, which rots easily, the entire 4-foot section, plus an additional 2 feet above the last
visual indicator, is cull. The deduction is 6' x 3.9 = 23%.
If the tree was a hardier species, such as pine, the defect may only include ½ of the six feet. The
deduction is 3' x 3.9 = 11.7 or 12%
Frost Cracks
Extend the defect an additional two feet above the last visible indicator. Frost cracks are found primarily
on white fir and spruce. For frost cracks that are closed, with no moisture or sticky pitch, a ¼ pie cut for
the length affected plus the additional 2 feet should be a sufficient deduction. If the frost crack is wide, is
weeping moisture and/or pitch, or you can see evidence of rot, double the fraction. If you find more then
one frost-crack, cull the entire section of the tree to 2 feet above the last visible indicator. On white fir, be
especially observant for conks located on the underside of limbs directly above the crack.
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For lightning scars, add 2 feet to BOTH ends of the scar unless the upper end of the scar extends past the
merchantable top.
Example 1: A four log white fir has a frost crack, which is relatively straight and extends for 14 feet in the
butt log. The frost crack appears to be tight and is not weeping pitch or moisture. A ¼ pie cut should
account for the defect. Convert it to a length cut. 14' + 2' = 16' crack, ¼ of 16' = 4' x 2.3% = 9% deduction.
Example 2: a four log white fir has a frost crack that extends 19 VISIBLE feet. It has a substantial amount
of sap running down the bark. There are no other defects. Because of the sap and the obvious age of the
crack, a ½ pie cut is a good estimate. Adding an additional 2 feet to the 19 visible feet gives a total of 21
feet affected. Top of the first log is 17'.
½ of the first log = 18.5% or 8' x 2.3% = 18.4%, ½ of 4ft of the 2nd log = 2 ' x 1.8% = 3.6%, and
3.6% + 18.5% = 22% defect.
Crooks
A crook is an abrupt deviation from a straight line. A sweep is a gradual curvature of the bole. To
determine if a crook is bad enough to warrant a deduction, visualize cutting through the center of the
crook, and determine if either log has any evidence of the crook on their respective cut ends. If not, there
is no deduction. Some crooks affect more than one log.
1) With a severe crook the bole bends, first one way then quickly bends back straight in a foot or two.
The deduction will include all of this section. To determine in which log the crook is located, measure to
the bottom of the crook where it first starts to bend away from a straight line. After determining what log
is affected, measure to the top of the crook, where the stem straightens out. This will be the length
affected.
Example: the merchantable height is 44 feet. The bottom of the crook is 30 feet; the top pf the crook is 33
feet. The crook is in the second log. 3' x 2.1% = 6.3% = 6% deduction.
2) Most crooks are minor, affecting only 1-6 feet. Measure the height where the crook starts first, and
then measure the height where the tree straightens out. This will determine which log(s) are affected
and the length of the crook. To estimate the deduction, use the edge of your tatum board, or anything
with a straight edge. Sight past the straight edge and line up with the side of the trees bole. You should
see the straight edge dissecting the tree, hiding part of it. The amount hidden determines the loss. If the
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straight edge dissects through the middle of the log, this is a ¼ loss. If it dissects the tree to the other side,
this is ½ loss. Four basic fractions are used, ¼, 1/3, ½, and 1/8.
Example: the merchantable height is 71 feet. The bottom of the crook is 29 feet and the top is 33 feet. The
crook affects ¼ of the second log. ¼ of 4' = 1', 1' x 1.8% = 1.8% or 2% deduction.
Example: the merchantable height is 58 feet. The bottom of the crook is 44 feetand the top is 50 feet. The
crook affects ¼ the 3rd log. ¼ of 6' = 1.5', round to two, 2' x 1.4% = 2.8% or 3% deduction.
3) A common occurrence is two severe bends, or crooks, with less then 8 foot of straight material
between them. The total deduction will include the entire portion. This deduction may include material
from more then one log.
Example: the merchantable height is 71 feet. The bottom of first crook is 38 feet and the top of second
crook is 46 feet. The entire length between the two crooks is affected. There is not a straight log between
crooks. The crooks are in the third log. 8' x 1.3% = 10% deduction.
4) Sometimes a crook is located in the upper log of the tree and there may not be any recoverable 8-foot
material between the crook and the merchantable top, the whole section is deducted. This also occurs in
the bottom logs but not as frequently.
Example: the merchantable height is 77 feet. The bottom of the crook is 71 feet. There are no 8-foot
straight logs above the crook. Cull 6 feet of the fifth log. 6' x .6% = 4% deduction.
Example: the merchantable height is 59 feet. The bottom of the crook is 1 foot and the top is 5 feet. The
crook affects ½ of the first log. ½ of 4' = 2 ', 2' x 2.3% = 5% deduction.
Sweep
Sweep is a gradual curvature of the stem. When sweep is minor, varying log lengths may eliminate loss. To
determine which log is affected, measure the height of the apex or middle of the sweep. Trees with severe
sweep may require this for several sections up the tree. Always try to line up a straight edge with the longest
straight portion of the log. This will limit the lengths affected.
Example 1: This diagram shows sweep that did not have enough defects to warrant a deduction. By varying
the log lengths, the sweep is eliminated.
Example 2: This is a 4-log tree with sweep primarily through the second log. The height at the apex is 23 feet
or 6 feet above the top of the first log. Remember, this is a sweep deduction, and there is no way to vary the
log lengths to eliminate the defect. Use a straight edge to help determine the loss. The dotted line on the right
side projects a straight line through the log and comes out on the opposite side. This is ½ loss of 6 foot of the
second log. ½ of 6' = 3' x 1.8% = 5% deduction.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
Forked Tree
1) On “simple” forked trees with one bark seam less than 3 feet long, with straight logs above the fork,
take a 2-foot length cut.
Example: The merchantable height is 65 feet and the fork is located at 47 feet. There is one bark seam 2
feet long and straight logs above the fork. This is a 4-log tree and the fork is located in the third log.
Deduct 2 feet, 2' x 1.3% = 3% deduction.
2) For “complex” forks with multiple bark seams or one seam longer then 3 foot, plus any other related
defects in the logs above the fork such as spike tops, and/or crook and sweep, make a 4 foot length cut.
All these defects are grouped into one deduction.
Example: The merchantable height is 76 feet and a complex fork is located at 58 feet. The spike in the
center is rotten but without additional visual indicators we can only estimate the rot extends down 2 feet.
The right crook just above the fork looks like it affects ½ of 4 feet. The left crook affects ½ of 6 feet. All of
these defects are grouped into one 4-foot length cut.
This is a 5-log tree and the fork is in the fourth log, make a 4 foot length cut. 4' x .9% = 4% deduction.
CAUTION: If a complex fork occurs close to the merchantable height and straight 8 foot logs (free of
defect) do not exist, ignore the 4-foot rule and CULL the entire length above the fork.
3) For defects occurring above any fork, not related or caused by the fork, follow the standard deduction
procedures. Reduce the defect percentage by the number of merchantable stems showing at the defect
height (box). If 2 merchantable stems show in the box, then the defect percentage is divided by 2.
Example: This is a 4-log tree with a simple fork in the second log. Besides a 2-foot bark seam, the right
side log of the fork has a crook affecting ¼ of 4 feet; the crook is in the third log. At the measured height
of the defect, there are two merchantable stems visible. For the fork, 2 foot length cut, 2' x 1.8% = 3.6%.
This is a 4-log tree and the crook is located in the third log.
¼ of 4' = 1' x 1.3% = 1.3%, divide 1/3% by 2 (number of stems in box) = .7%, 3.6% + .7% = 4% deduction.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: R1 Disease Descriptions
4) Reduce the defect percentage by the number of merchantable stems showing at the defect height
(box).
Example: This is a 4-log tree with a simple fork in the 3rd log. This tree has a crook on the tallest side in
the fourth log. The defect affects ½ of 4 feet for a 2-foot length cut. The percent of volume for one foot is
1.3%. At the measured height of the defect, there is only one merchantable stem still visible. The short
log's top DIB is measured below the box. The defect percentage for this crook is not reduced. Use a 2foot length cut for the simple fork in the third log. The simple fork = 2' x 1.3% = 2.6%, 4th log crook = 2' x
.9% = 1.8%, 2.6% + 1.8% = 4% deduction.
5) This 5-log tree has a lightning strike in the top of one fork. The defect affects ¼ of the entire length of
the scar. The tree has a simple fork at 52 feet. There are two straight stems above the fork and both are
still visible at the same height as the lightning strike damage. The lightning strike starts at 58 and ends at
77 feet. Add 2 feet onto the lower end of the visible scar. The upper end of the scar is at 6"; do not add on
the additional 2 feet. The top of fourth log is 67 feet. Ten feet of the fifth log and 10 feet of the fourth log
are affected by the lightning scar. Fifth log ¼ of 12' = 3' x .6% = 1.8% divided by 2 visible stems = .9%,
4th log ¼ of 12' = 3' x .9% = 2.7% divided by 2 = 1.35 = 1.4%, simple fork at 52' = 2' x .9% = 1.8%. 1.4% +
.9% + 1.8% = 4% deduction.
Conks
This guide was used to calculate the defect totals (the distance above and below the last visible conk) for
the following:
Fomes pini
Indian paint
Velvet top/cowdung
Canker
4 feet above
8 feet below
8 feet above
8 feet below
2 feet above scar
If there is not a scar, use butt swell, if no butt
swell use 4 feet
2-4 feet cut at canker
DF, SP
TF, SP, Aspen
Aspen, TF
Conks are the fruiting bodies of an interior fungus. Defect percentages may be large and affect major
portions of the tree. The entire tree may be cull. If the tree contains one merchantable, sound log with
1/3 or more volume, the tree is not cull.
Example 1: A white fir has a merchantable height of 80 feet. It has an Indian Paint conk at 52 feet. 52 feet
is at the bottom of the fourth log on a 5-log tree. 50 feet is the top of the third log. The 2 feet (from 50 to
52) plus the 8 feet above 52 equals a 10-foot deduction from just the fourth log. Deduction would include
6 foot from the third log. Third log = 6 x 1.2 = 7.2%, fourth log = 10 x .9 = 9.0%; for a 16% deduction.
Example 2: A white fir has a merchantable height of 90 feet. The first Indian Paint conk is at 20 feet; the
second is at 38 feet. This is a 5-log tree. From the first conk at 20 feet, subtract 8 feet. There is still 12
feet of merchantable material left in the first log. From the top conk at 38 feet, add 8 feet for 46 feet.
Everything from 12 feet to 46 feet is cull; this is 4 feet short of the top of the third log. First log = 5' x
2.0% = 10.0, second log = cull log 25.0 (total volume of second log) third log - 12' x 1.2% = 14.4. For a
total of 49% deduction
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix N: Region 1 Disease Descriptions
Example 3: A Douglas-fir has a merchantable height of 73 feet. There is a conk at the base of the tree,
attached to a root. This indicates stump rot. There may also be other visible defects present, i.e., fire
scars and cat faces. Use the height of the visible defect plus an additional 2 feet to determine the total
length affected. If no scars are visible, use any butt swelling that may be present. With no external
indicators present, extend the length affected an additional four feet. Take 4 feet off the first log. 2.3% x
4' = 9% deduction
(99-016) Foliage Loss
Trees with one-sided crowns, large gaps or holes in the crown, or flattened tops (depending on species).
Trees with poor crown form do not necessarily have poor crown ratios or poor growth.
Examples of foliage loss
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
APPENDIX O: REGION 1 INSECT DESCRIPTIONS
General Insects (Category 10)
(10-001) Thrips
Injury:
Description:
Damage to the strobili consists of punctures and abrasions on the scales and bracts of
flowers and conelets. Heavy infestations result in shriveled conelets and flowers.
Thrips are small slender-bodied insects, usually from 0.05 to 5.0 mm long. Adults are
either wingless or have four long, narrow fringed wings with few or no veins. The
mouthparts are of the sucking type.
(10-007) Clerid Beetle (Cleridae)
Injury:
Description:
Injury is to other bark beetles, rarely to the host tree. The larvae travel down the
tunnels of their host eating one larva after another.
The adults are active, antlike, brightly colored hairy beetles about 3 to 13 mm long.
They feed on adult beetles. The larvae live in galleries and tunnels of bark beetles and
woodborers. Adults are distinguished by their 11-jointed and serrate antennae. Larvae
are soft bodied and thin textured.
(10-009) Green Rose Chafer (Dichelonyx backi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, fir and spruce
Adults feed upon the needles, often leaving only the midrib. In California, it feeds upon
immature cones of ponderosa pine and reduces seed production.
Adults are elongate, broadly convex dorsally. The thorax is not grooved. Wing covers
vary from metallic green to shiny brown. The body may be brown or black. The
mandibles of the males are elongate and sometimes prominently toothed. They breed in
decaying stumps or logs.
(10-017) Bagworm Moth (Psychidae)
Members of this family have a habit of spending the entire larval stage within silken bags. The bag is strong,
tough, and camouflaged with leaves and twigs. An opening is maintained at the top of the bag for moving,
feeding, or enlarging the bag. Excrement drops out of the bag through a hole in the bottom.
(10-019) Scarab (Scarabaeidae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pines
Attacks cones and seeds
Adult scarabs are generally very robust, with antennae terminating in plate-like
segments. Larvae are robust, typical C-shaped, white grubs with obvious thoracic legs.
(10-021) (Steremnius carinatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, and Sitka spruce are preferred, but hemlock and true fir are also attacked
Adults feed on many kinds of dead plant material. Larvae develop in the phloem if slash
and in the roots of dead conifers. Sometimes the adults girdle 1- and 2-year old seedlings
at the ground line.
The rough-surfaced, dirt colored adults have scattered patches of rusty scales and are 7
to 10 mm long.
(10-023) Wood Wasps (Siricidae spp.)
Host:
Hardwoods and softwoods
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
A few species have been recorded attacking vigorous trees, but they usually prefer trees
or parts of trees that are dead or in a badly weakened condition.
Members of this family have a hornlike projection on the last abdominal segment of the
adult. It is short in the male, but long and pear shaped in the female. Adults are medium
to large and usually metallic blue or black in color.
Bark Beetles (Category 11)
Bark beetles often attack trees weakened by root disease fungi or other agents. Carefully examine trees
indicating bark beetle attack for evidence of root disease.
Most bark beetles attack weakened, stressed, or old trees. Adults attack trees in large numbers, boring into
trees to create tunnels (egg galleries) and laying eggs on the inner surface of the bark along the bole. External
signs of attack include pitch tubes and/or boring dust, depending on the tree species. Larvae usually
construct separate tunnels away from the egg gallery in patterns that are characteristic for each species.
Sometimes adult beetles introduce fungi into egg galleries. Egg galleries, larval mines, and the introduced
fungi disrupt the carbohydrate and water transport systems within a tree and can cause death.
Adult bark beetles are generally 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Major genera can be distinguished by the shape and
coloration of their abdomens. Larvae are creamy-white, leg-less, and have brown head capsules. Pupae,
usually found at the ends of the larval mines, are shiny white. Adults are initially pale yellow or tan, darken to
reddish-brown, and turn black or very dark red-brown at maturity.
Bark Beetle characteristics
Damage
Bark
Preferred
Agent
Beetle
Host(s)
002
Western
pine beetle
Ponderosa pine
006
Mountain
pine beetle
All pines.
During intensive
infestations,
Engleman spruce
can be infested
and killed.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Small, inconspicuous pitch tubes
generally occurring above the
bottom 3 feet of tree bole.
Winding “spaghetti-pattern” egg
gallery, packed with frass.
Larval galleries seemingly
disappear a short distance from egg
gallery
Conspicuous pink to reddish pitch
tubes generally occurring above the
bottom 3 feet of tree bole.
Long, vertical (or sinuous) egg
gallery packed with frass with
slight “crook” or “J” at lower end.
O-2
Gallery Pattern
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
007
Damage
Agent
Douglas-fir
beetle
Bark
Beetle
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Douglas-fir
Preferred
Host(s)
009
Spruce
beetle
Engelmann
spruce
Sitka spruce
012
Red
turpentine
beetle
All pines
015
Western
Balsam
Bark Beetle
Pine
engraver
Subalpine fir
029
Ponderosa pine
Lodgepole pine
Jeffrey pine
Red-orange boring dust is found in
bark crevices.
No pitch tubes (Sometimes pitch
streams from attack sites high up
on tree bole.)
Vertical egg gallery (about 1/4 inch
wide) packed with frass, with larval
galleries grouped along either side
in an alternating pattern.
Diagnostic Characteristics
No pitch tubes.
Vertical egg gallery with larval
galleries grouped along either side
in an alternating pattern. The basal
or lower part of the egg gallery will
be packed with frass.
Larval galleries cross each other
and join in places to form common
chambers.
Pitch tubes generally occurring on
the basal 3 feet of tree bole as
either, very large and conspicuous
masses of cream to reddish resin or
small reddish granular tubes.
Egg gallery is short, irregular in
shape, with an adjacent larval
feeding cavity. There are no
individual larval galleries.
Often seen on fire-damaged trees.
Copious pitch flow and boring dust
on bole. Galleries are star shaped.
No pitch tubes.
Star or “Y”-shaped egg gallery
pattern with central nuptial
chamber. No frass in gallery.
Often causes top-kill in larger trees.
O-3
Gallery Pattern
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
044
Silver fir
beetle
Pacific silver fir
No pitch tubes.
Horizontal egg gallery that lightly
scores sapwood. Egg galleries are
generally much shorter in length
(1/2 to 5 inches) than fir engraver
galleries.
050
Fir engraver
True firs
No pitch tubes
Horizontal egg gallery that deeply
etches sapwood, averages 4-12
inches in length.
Often causes top-kill.
(11-001) Roundheaded Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus adjunctus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa and Coulter pine trees of all ages and vigor classes that are 6 inches (15 cm)
or larger in diameter
Fresh attacks have soft pink to reddish pitch tubes on bole, dry reddish-brown boring
dust in bark cracks and crevices and at the base of tree, eggs and larvae in inner and
outer bark, egg galleries meander upwards one to four feet and are loosely packed with
frass in the first several inches. Freshly attacked trees appear November and December.
In older attacks the needles change to sorrel or rusty brown and fall off, pitch tubes are
hard and pinkish to red, and larvae and pupae are present in inner and outer bark.
Outbreaks can cause mortality in all crown classes and diameter classes. Pole-sized
trees are often killed. This beetle works in conjunction with the western pine beetle,
mountain pine beetle, and Ips beetles.
Larvae are white with brown heads, legless, curved, and ¼ inch long when mature.
Adult beetles are dark brown to black, ¼ inch long, and similar to the mountain pine
beetle.
(11-002) Western Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine and Coulter pine of all ages, 6 inches DBH or larger
Pitch tubes, ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 13 mm) in diameter, formed on the tree trunk around
entry holes made by attacking female beetles, are usually the first evidence of
infestation. The pitch tubes are white to red-brown masses of resin and boring dust
found in the crevices between the bark plates. Relatively few, widely scattered, white
pitch tubes, 1 inch or larger in diameter, usually indicate that the attacks were not
successful and that the tree will survive. Close examination of successfully attacked
trees, however, reveals small, reddish-brown pitch tubes and dry, reddish-brown boring
dust in the bark crevices and around the base of the tree.
It initially attacks midway up the tree, but the first sign of attack may often be
predaceous checkered beetles seen at eye level scurrying over the bark in search of we
stern pine beetle prey.
Attacking adult beetles carry spores of a blue-staining fungus in special pouch-like
structures in their heads. As the beetles chew their way through the bark, the spores of
this wilt-causing fungus dislodge and begin to germinate. In trees attacked in early or
O-4
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
midsummer, it takes only a few weeks for the fungus to invade and block the conductive
vessels of the inner bark and sapwood. Once the vessels are blocked, the foliage begins
to fade, first to a pale green and then to yellow, straw, and sorrel. Finally, perhaps after
a year, the foliage may turn red brown. This fading is the first evidence of damage to the
tree that is visible at a distance.
In trees attacked in late summer or fall, the fungus develops more slowly, and many
infested trees do not fade until the next spring. These green trees are often first infested
when woodpeckers flake off the outer bark as they search for and feed on developing
beetle larvae. This flaking exposes the bright-orange inner bark, making these trees
visible from as far away as 300 feet.
Infestation can be confirmed by removing the bark to expose the winding,
crisscrossing egg galleries in the inner bark and on the surface of the sapwood. The egg
galleries are slightly wider than the adult beetles and, usually are tightly packed with
boring dust. It is the only bark beetle with this type of egg gallery in ponderosa and
Coulter pines.
Larval galleries in bark
Adult and larval gallaries
Eggs, adult galleries
(11-005) Lodgepole Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus murrayanne)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Range
Adult
Lodgepole pine and jack pine
It mines the lower bole and root crown of over mature, injured, and weakened trees and
in fresh stumps and windfalls. It occasionally kills over mature trees left standing after
harvesting. Normally only a few pairs attack a tree and two or more generations may be
required to girdle and kill a tree. Attacks are marked by pitch tubes. Galleries are
irregular and vertical. Eggs are laid in groups of 20 to 50 along both sides of the gallery.
Adult is black with reddish-brown elytra and is about 6 mm long.
(11-006) Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)
Host:
The major hosts are lodgepole, ponderosa, sugar, and white pines. Limber, Coulter,
foxtail, whitebark, pinyon, and bristlecone pines are also infested and killed. Scotch pine
is highly susceptible to attack. Douglas-fir, true firs, spruce, larch, and incense cedar are
occasionally attacked, but broods rarely develop. Attacks on non-host trees usually
occur when nearby pines are heavily infested.
Evidence of Infestation: The mountain pine beetle begins attacking most pine species on the lower 15 feet of
the trunk. Trees are generally killed by beetles of a single generation. However, large
sugar pines are first attacked in the crown. Two or more generations of beetles -- each
generation attacking a lower portion -- may occur before the tree is killed.
Examination of infested trees usually reveals the presence of pitch tubes. Pitch tubes
are made when female beetles bore into the tree. There are two types of tubes. Pitch
tubes on successfully infested trees are cream to dark-red masses of resin mixed with
boring dust and are one- fourth to one-half inch in diameter. Pitch tubes on
unsuccessfully infested trees are larger, three-fourths of an inch to 1 inch in diameter,
and widely scattered over the trunk. When beetles are not present in sufficient
numbers, trees can produce enough resin to “pitch out” beetles as they bore into the
inner bark. Besides having pitch tubes, successfully infested trees will have dry boring
dust, similar to fine sawdust, in bark crevices and around the base of the tree.
Sometimes, however, infested trees can have boring dust, but not pitch tubes. These
trees, called blind attacks, are common during drought years when trees produce little
pitch.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
When the beetles attack, they carry blue-staining fungi into the tree. After one to
several months, the sapwood begins to discolor. Woodpeckers, feeding on larvae under
the bark, make individual holes in thick bark, or they may partially or completely
remove thinner bark. These signs, plus the resulting pile of bark flakes around the base
of the tree, are good evidence of bark beetle infestation. The first sign of beetle-caused
mortality is generally discolored foliage. Needles on successfully infested trees begin
fading and changing color several months to 1 year after the trees have been attacked.
The needles change from green to yellowish green, then sorrel, red, and finally rusty
brown. Fading begins in the lower crown and progresses upward. In large sugar pines,
fading in the upper crown is the first evidence of infestation.
Tree Mortality
Pitch Tubes
Galleries
Galleries
(11-007) Douglas-Fir Beetle (Dendroctonus psuedotsugae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Galleries
Range
Douglas-fir and infrequently larch
It prefers wind thrown, budworm damaged, root diseased, or weakened trees. Also
prefers large pieces of slash, and fresh stumps. Reddish-orange boring dust can be found
in bark crevices and around the bases of infested trees (May-June). No pitch tubes are
produced. Wind and rain remove boring dust, and these beetles may attack portions of
the upper bole only, so trees must be examined carefully to detect the presence of
beetles. Green trees with boring dust and/or obvious, abundant streaming pitch
indicates a successful current attack. Trees with yellow, sorrel, or reddish brown
needles and diagnostic gallery patterns indicate last year’s successful attack. Trees
lacking a full component of reddish brown needles or devoid of needles and diagnostic
gallery patterns indicate an older dead tree. Needles are shed and conks of the pouch
fungus Cytopotus volatus form on the outer bark the year following infestation. It does
not cause top-kill (Severity Code 4), but is commonly associated with root disease
centers.
Egg galleries are straight or slightly wavy, vertical, approximately 1/4 inch wide, and
range from 5 to 35 inches long with an average length of 12 inches. Galleries are packed
with frass. Eggs are laid in batches on alternating sides of the galleries; the larval
galleries fan out horizontally, away from the egg gallery. The sapwood is only lightly
scored by galleries so gallery patterns are often most obvious on inner bark.
Beetles cause scattered mortality resulting in large volume loss. Epidemics can cause
mortality of apparently healthy trees. Epidemics usually develop in trees felled by wind,
broken by snow, or affected by drought. Trees infected by dwarf mistletoe and/or root
disease are often attacked.
Adults are stout, cylindrical, and 4-6 mm long. Head and thorax are black; wing covers
are reddish-brown, becoming darker with age. Eggs are white and 1 mm long. Larvae
are white, legless, with brown heads. Pupae are white and have some adult features,
including wings that are folded beneath the abdomen.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Tree mortality
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Fading trees
Tree mortality
(11-009) Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Galleries
Engelmann spruce and Sitka spruce, rarely lodgepole pine.
Prefers wind thrown trees, weakened trees, large pieces of slash, and fresh stumps. Red
boring dust accumulates in bark crevices around the bases of infested trees. Needles of
infested trees turn yellowish-green and fall 1 year after attack. Needles do not turn
reddish color. Recently killed trees appear yellowish-orange to a reddish hue after
needle drop due to color of exposed twigs and is especially visible in the upper one-third
of the crown. Dust-clogged entrance holes and fewer numbers of unclogged holes are
visible in the back. Occasionally, manes of pitch may accumulate at entrance holes;
which indicate unsuccessful attack (Severity Code 2). Trees with yellowish-green
needles or devoid of needles but that appear yellowish-orange to red after needle drop
(due to color of exposed twigs), and with diagnostic gallery patterns are evidence of last
year’s successful attack. Woodpeckers often search through the bark during winter
months when larvae are large. Spruce beetle does not cause top-kill (Severity Code 4).
Egg galleries are vertical and 2 to 7 inches in length and packed with frass at the
basal or lower end. Eggs are laid in batches along alternating sides of the galleries.
Larval mines radiate away from the egg galleries at first, but later may meander and
cross each other. From 1 to 3 years may be required per generation, depending on
latitude and elevation, with most populations requiring 2 years. Tree mortality ranges
from scattered individual large trees to nearly 100 percent mortality on thousands of
acres. Epidemics usually start due to stand disturbances and are often difficult to detect
until mortality is severe.
The adult is dark reddish-brown. Older adults are usually entirely black. Beetles are
cylindrically shaped, 4-7 mm long, 3 mm wide. Eggs are oblong, pearly-white, and 1-2
mm long. Larvae are stout, cylindrical, legless grubs and 6 mm long when full grown.
Pupae are creamy white and similar in size to the adult.
Pitch streamers
Tree mortality
Distribution
(11-012) Red Turpentine Beetle (Dendroctonus valens)
Host:
Injury:
Attached tree
Adult male
All western pines, attacks spruce, Douglas-fir and true firs infrequently
It prefers weakened trees or fresh stumps. Attacks are usually concentrated in the basal
3 ft. of the tree, but occasiona1ly extend above a height of 12 ft. Pitch tubes vary in size,
texture and color. Resin is usually white to yellow, and borings are red. Tubes may be
as large as 2 inches across. White-yellow (no boring dust) pitch tubes indicate
unsuccessful attacks (Severity Code 1). Boring dust and small pitch pellets can be found
on the ground around the base of the tree. Trees are usually not killed unless attacks are
O-7
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
numerous and involve a large portion of the tree’s circumference. As the tree dies,
needles fade to yellowish-green then through shades of yellow, and sorrel to red. Red
turpentine beetle does not cause top-kill (severity Code 4), but attach may precede or
accompany attacks by other bark beetles such as western pine beetle; upper boles
should be carefully examined.
Galleries are generally vertical or cave-like and are usually packed with granular,
reddish, pitchy borings and frass. Galleries vary in width from 1/2 to more than 1 inch
and in length from a few inches to several feet. Larvae feed together, producing a cavity
that ranges in size from 0.1 to 1.0 sq. ft. (93 to 930 sq. cm.) rather than individual larval
mines.
The egg is shiny, opaque white, ovoid cylindrical, and a little over one mm long. Larvae
are grub-like, legless, white with a brown head capsule with growth a row of small, polebrown tubercles become evident along each side of the body. Beetles are 6-10 mm long
and quite stout, and are reddish-brown at maturity.
Adults
(11-013) (Dryocoetes affaber)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Pitch tubes
Prefers spruce, but pines and larch are also attacked
Pitch tubes
Infestations occur in felled trees, stumps, and the trunks of standing trees.
The female is reddish-brown to black, has the frons pubescent, and is from 2.5 to 3.3 mm
long.
(11-015) Western Balsam Bark Beetle (Dryocoetes confusus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Subalpine fir, occasionally grand fir, Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine
Trees are often attacked in groups. Detection of stem attack is through copious pitch
flow and boring dust on the bole. Dead and dying trees become brick red in color, which
develops the year following attack. Reddened needles may remain on trees up to five
years.
Galleries are star shaped. Blue stain fungi are introduced. Egg galleries radiate from the
central nuptial chamber in a random pattern. Eggs are small, pearly-white and oval.
Larva is 3-4 mm long; head pale tan; body yellowish-white, curved and wrinkled. Pupae
are 3-4 mm long; yellowish-white with many of the adult’s parts recognizable. Adults
are 3-4 mm long; dark brown at maturity with erect reddish-brown hairs; front of the
female entirely covered with a dense brush of short, reddish-yellow hairs. Front of male
is sparsely covered with long, reddish-yellow hairs.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
(11-016) (Dryocoetes sechelti)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Gallery
Tree mortality
Subalpine fir
They breed in dying, dead, and down trees
Adults are shiny, brown to black, cylindrical beetles ranging from 2 to 5 mm long. The
thorax is evenly convex above and the elytra are abruptly rounded and unarmed behind.
Several egg galleries radiate from a central nuptial chamber.
(11-017) Ash Bark Beetle (Hylesinus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ash and alder
They bore between the bark and wood.
The front margin of the elytra is raised and notched; the pronotum usually is unarmed,
and the head usually visible from above.
(11-018) Native Elm Bark Beetle (Hylurgopinus rufipes)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
All elm species except Siberian and Chinese elm
The lethal injury is the development of Dutch Elm Disease in healthy trees through the
feeding habits of the bark beetle. The beetle carries the fungus on their bodies and
introduces the spores, principally at the twig axil, by chewing off the tender bark. The
presence of the disease can be first suspected when the foliage on a branch or the entire
crown suddenly wilts.
The adults are about 1/8 inch long and dull brown.
(11-021) Sixspined Ips (Ips calligraphus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Digger pine, eastern white pine, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, pitch pine, pond pine,
ponderosa pine, red pine, sand pine, scotch pine, shortleaf pine, slash pine, spruce pine,
Table Mountain pine, Virginia pine
Needles turn yellow or red. Infested trees will have dry, reddish-brown frass in the bark
crevices. Some trees may have dime-sized or smaller, white to reddish-brown pitch
tubes in the bark crevices. If a hole is not present in the pitch tube, the attack was not
successful.
Newly emerged adults are light orange brown, mature adults vary from dark red brown
to almost black. The posterior of the adults looks as if it has been cut off at an angle, and
hollowed out. Adults are 1/5 in. long and have six spines on each side near the
posterior. The eggs are oblong, pearly white and about 1/25 in. long by 1/50 in. wide. It
commonly attacks portions of trunks 4 inches or more in diameter. This is often one of
the first bark beetles to attack drought-stricken trees.
(11-022) Emarginate Ips (Ips emargonatus)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa, lodgepole, western white, and Jeffery pine
It is commonly associated with the mountain pine beetle and Jeffery pine beetle.
Occasionally it may kill a tree by itself. They have long, straight, nearly parallel egg
galleries from 2 to 4 feet long, which run up and down the tree and connect at different
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
points. The presence of a nuptial chamber and the absence of frass distinguish it from
the mountain pine beetle.
Adults are dark brown, shiny, cylindrical beetles.
(11-024) (Ips latidens)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa, lodgepole, Jeffery, coulter, sugar, and western white pines
Attacks weakened or dying tree, usually in the tops and limbs of mature tress and in the
bole of pole-sized trees. It may kill trees weakened by other sources.
The adults are from 3.0 to 3.5 mm long, and the smallest of the western Ips. The elytral
declivity is nearly vertical and is armed with three slender spines on each side. There
are from 2 to 5 rather short, sometimes curved, egg galleries radiating from the central
nuptial chamber.
(11-026) Monterey Pine Ips (Ips mexicanus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Monterey pine, sometimes lodgepole pine
Attacks the bole of living, injured, dying, and recently down pines. It is usually associated
with other bark beetles. Favors breeding grounds of fresh slash, and will attack nearby
trees.
The adults are from 3.0 to 3.5 mm long, and the smallest of the western Ips. The elytral
declivity is nearly vertical and is armed with three slender spines on each side.
(11-028) Northern Spruce Ips (Ips perturbatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White spruce is preferred, also attacks Engelmann and Sitka spruce
It breeds in slash and the tops of trees killed by Dendroctonus. It sometimes kills trees in
strips adjacent to logging operations.
Adults have four spines with the third declivital spine being enlarged and conical at the
outer end in both sexes. Adults are 3.5 to 5.2 mm long and stouter than most Ips.
(11-029) Pine Engraver (Ips pini)
Host:
Secondary Host:
Range:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa, lodgepole, limber, and Jeffery pine
Englemann spruce and Jack pine
Western United States including Alaska
The first indication of attack is reddish-orange boring dust, which appears in
small mounds on the surface of logs or logging slash at points of beetle entry.
Spring rains may wash the boring dust off the top surfaces, but it can usually be
found in bark crevices or on the ground beneath the slash. In standing trees,
boring dust lodges in bark crevices, spider webs, and on the ground at the base
of the tree. Foliage of infested standing trees usually begins fading within a few
months of attack. The rate of fading depends on tree species and weather. Some
infested trees may fade by late summer or early fall during the same year they
are attacked, while others may not fade until the following spring.
Ips pini has four stages in its life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are oval,
pearly white and about the size of a pinhead. Larvae are creamy-white, legless
grubs with brown heads. When full grown, the larvae are about 3/16 inch long.
The pupa is soft and white, with some adult features such as eyespots and wing
covers. The adult is cylindrical, about l/8 to 3/16 inch long, and has four small
spines on each side of the declivity at its posterior. The third spine in the male is
more prominent than that of the female. A new adult is pale yellow at first (a
“callow” adult) but usually turns dark brown or black before flying.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Adult male
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Distribution
(11-030) Ips Engraver Beetles (Ips spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Topkill
Egg gallery
Adult
Englemann, white, and Sitka spruce
Attacks only weakened and down trees, and is not a serious pest
Females take several forms. Adults have four spines. The lower front portion of the
female head is usually swollen and it may contain a brush of hairs.
(11-032) Western Ash Bark Beetle (Leperisinus californicus)
Host:
Galleries
Ponderosa, lodgepole pine, and Jeffrey pine. Occasionally it kills limber pine, western
white pine, Engleman spruce and white spruce.
Populations commonly infest slash, wind throw, the tops of live trees, or whole, live
trees. In low population years, infestation in standing trees occurs in groups of fewer
than 10 trees. In warm, dry years, beetles kill large numbers of apparently healthy
saplings. In un-thinned young stands, groups of 50-500 trees may be killed. Top killing
of older trees is followed by successive attacks in the lower boles. The first indication of
attack on down material is reddish-orange dust in small mounds at beetle entrance
holes. In standing trees, infestation progresses from top downward. Boring dust lodges
in bark crevices and upon the ground near infested trees. Foliage begins fading within a
few weeks after attack; most killed trees are completely faded by late summer or early
fall, but some may not fade until the following spring.
Green trees with boring dust (no pitch tubes) indicate a current successful attack.
Trees with reddish-brown needles and diagnostic galleries indicate last year’s successful
attack. Pine engraver beetle is highly associated with top-kill of larger pines (Severity
Code 4). Other bark beetles often attack trees whose tops were previously infested by
pine engravers.
Three to four egg galleries branch from a central nuptial chamber. Egg galleries
generally run with the grain of the wood, and are typically 5 to 10 inches long. There
may be from one to five generations per year, depending on local weather. The egg is
oval, pearly-white about the size of a pinhead. The larva is a yellowish, legless grub with
a brown head. Pupae are shining white with wing covers folded under the abdomen.
The adult is cylindrical, 1/8 to 3/16 inches long. It has four small spines on each side of
the declivity at the hind end of the wing covers. The new adult is pale yellow at first
darkening to reddish-brown then to black at maturity.
(11-031) (Ips tridens)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Egg and larval galleries
Ash and weakened olive trees
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Breed in felled, injured, or weakened trees, causing little economic damage. They can be
abundant in cordwood.
Construct uniform, transverse egg galleries that score both the wood and inner bark of
the bole and branches. The adults are robust beetles, 2 to 4 mm long, evenly rounded
behind, and covered in scales that give them a mottled appearance.
(11-034) (Orthotomicus caelatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Lodgepole pine, western white pine, Englemann spruce, white spruce, Sitka spruce,
western larch
It is a secondary species and attacks are made in fresh stumps and the lower bole of
large standing trees, often in combination with other bark beetles.
The gallery pattern is radiate, similar to Ips, but smaller.
(11-035) Cedar Bark Beetles (Phloeosinus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Incense cedar, sequoia, white cedar, cypress, juniper, redwoods, and bald cypress
These beetles are not aggressive and are found working under the bark of trunks, tops,
and limbs of weakened, dying, or felled trees, or of broken branches. Occasionally they
become numerous and aggressive and attack and kill apparently healthy trees. This is
the only genus of beetles to attack these species.
Adults are reddish brown to black, often shiny beetles, ranging from 2 to 4 mm long.
(11-036) Western Cedar Bark Beetles (Phloeosinus punctatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western red cedar, sequoia
These beetles are not aggressive and are found working under the bark of trunks, tops,
and limbs of weakened, dying, or felled trees, or of broken branches. Occasionally they
become numerous and aggressive and attack and kill apparently healthy trees. This is
the only genus of beetles to attack these species.
Adults are reddish brown to black, often shiny beetles, ranging from 2 to 3 mm long. Egg
galleries consist of one longitudinal tunnel about 25 mm long or two shorter ones in the
form of a “V.”
(11-037) Tip Beetles (Pityogenes spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pines
They are of secondary importance and attack the tops and limbs of weakened, dying, and
newly fallen trees. In large numbers, they may kill small trees growing near their
breeding place.
Adults are slender, dark brown beetles, 2 to 3.5 mm long. They have two or three spine
like teeth on the sloping rear end of each wing cover. The females have a hole in the
front of the head. Several egg galleries radiate from the nuptial chamber containing one
male.
(11-038) Douglas-Fir Twig Beetle (Pityophthorus pseudotsugae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, hemlock, and true firs
Injured, dying, dead, and down trees are attacked. They breed in twigs and small
branches. Sometimes they attack larger branches and the thin barked portions of the
bole.
Adults range form 1.5 to 3.0 mm long, but identification is difficult. Galleries under the
bark consist of a central nuptial chamber from which radiate several egg galleries.
(11-039) Twig Beetles (Pityophthorus spp.)
Twig beetles rarely cause serious direct seed losses, but some species may affect future cone crops by
destroying shoots containing flower primordial or shoots bearing first-year cones and young maturing cones.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Occasionally, twig beetles attack and kill grafted scions and air layered shoots, thus preventing successful
vegetative propagation in genetics and seed orchard establishment.
(11-040) Foureyed Spruce Beetle (Prufipennis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce, lodgepole pine, limber pine, and larch
It is a secondary species. It breeds under the bark of smaller and drier portions of the
bole of dead and dying spruce.
Adults are 2 to 3 mm long, stout, black, and moderately clothed with scale like hairs.
They construct a nuptial chamber in the inner bark from which radiate one to five short,
curved egg galleries.
(11-041) Fir Root Bark Beetle (Pseudohylesinum granulatas)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
True fir, Douglas-fir, and hemlock
It is usually a secondary species. Attacks are made in the basal portion of the tree, and
they often extend below ground.
Adult is 4.1 to 5.5 mm long. Egg galleries are short and irregularly transverse.
(11-042) (Pseudohylesinus dispar)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White fir, grand fir, and California red fir
Attacks the bole and larger branches of decadent trees, ranging from saplings to mature
trees. They construct egg galleries that are 4 to 12 cm long.
The adult is 2.9 to 4.7 mm long and clothed with light brown and ash-gray scales in a
variegated pattern.
(11-043) Douglas-Fir Pole Beetle (Pseudohylesinus nebulosus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir
Attacks thin barked portions of slash, wind thrown trees, and the dead tops and
branches of trees. It attacks saplings and poles infected with root rots. Adults bore into
the twigs of live trees.
Adult is 2.4 to 3.1 mm long. A well-defined nuptial chamber is not easily visible from the
inner surface of the bark.
Gallery
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(11-044) Silver Fir Beetle (Pseudohylesinus sericeus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pacific silver fir and Silver fir
This beetle prefers weakened trees or fresh slash. It creates small, inconspicuous
entrance holes. Small amounts of reddish boring dust can sometimes be found under
each entrance hole and around the base of an infested tree. Foliage of attacked trees
turns yellow, then bright red, and then gradually brown, remaining on the tree about 2
years. Silver fir beetle is not usually associated with top-kill (Condition Code 5).
Galleries are similar to the fir engraver except they are not deeply scored into the
sapwood and are generally shorter (1/2 to 5 inches on average).
Gallery
(11-045) Small European Elm Bark Beetle (Scolytus multistriatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Native and introduced elms
Beetles excavate a 1 to 2 inch straight egg gallery parallel with the wood grain. Larval
mines are roughly perpendicular to the egg gallery. The result is a design resembling a
long-legged centipede on the inner bark and wood surface.
Adults are reddish-brown beetles about ¼ inch long. The underside of the posterior is
concave and armed with a prominent projection or spine on the undersurface of the
abdomen. The larvae are typical, white or cream-colored, legless grubs, about the same
size as adults.
(11-046) Spruce Engraver (Scolytus piceae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce, occasionally fir and larch
Secondary species, which attacks bole and larger limbs
Adults are shiny, dark brown to black beetles 2 to 5 mm long. The second abdominal
segment is armed with a spine in both sexes. The spine is separated at the base from the
margin of the segment on which it stands. The gallery pattern is usually the bayonet
type. It breeds in broken limbs and tops.
(11-048) True Fir Bark Beetles (Scolytus spp.)
Description:
Adults are shiny, dark brown to black beetles 2 to 5 mm long. They are easily
recognized by the “sawed off,” sometimes concave rear end of the abdomen.
(11-049) Douglas-Fir Engraver (Scolytus unispinosus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir
Attacks weakened, injured, dying, and recently dead young trees. It often attacks in
conjunction with other bark beetles.
Adults are less than 3 mm long. The male has a prominent spine projecting from the
middle of the nearly vertical second segment of the abdomen.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(11-050) Fir Engraver (Scolytus ventralis)
Host:
Gallery
White fir, grand fir, and red fir, may attack Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, western hemlock,
and Engleman spruce
Fir engravers bore entrance holes along the main stem, usually in areas that are greater
than 4 inches in diameter. These holes are about 0.1 inch wide and are most often
located in bark crevices or in the roughened bark at the junction of a branch and the
trunk, but other sites may be attacked as well.
Reddish-brown or white boring dust may be seen along the trunk in bark crevices and
in cobwebs. Streams of clear pitch often flow from the entrance holes down the bole,
and vigorous firs may exude enough pitch to drown the beetles or cause them to
abandon their entrance holes. The creamy pitch tubes that are often formed when bark
beetles attack pines are not produced on firs.
Once under the bark, the adults excavate egg galleries that engrave the sapwood, the
layer of wood under the cambium. The egg gallery is horizontal, cutting across the grain;
the larval galleries extend at right angles, along the grain.
Initial attacks in the crown may girdle the branches, disrupting the flow of water and
nutrients and killing the branch. The appearance of yellowed or red branches in an
otherwise green tree, commonly called “flagging,” is the first easily seen sign of
infestation. Numerous attacks over part or the entire bole may kill the upper portion of
the crown or the entire tree in a single summer. The foliage turns yellow and then red
over the 3 to 6 months after an attack. Sometimes, however, only strips or patches of
the bole are attacked. A healthy tree can recover if sufficient areas of cambium (the
layer of growth cells) remain, and top-killed trees can produce new leaders. When the
cambium heals over, a brown pitch pocket marks the injury. The usual evidence of such
attacks is a roughened patch of bark or scattered dead branches girdled at the base by
the egg galleries.
Injury:
Galleries
Galleries
(11-053) Foureyed Bark Beetle (Polygraphus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult
Distribution
Spruce
Usually a secondary species that attack dying, dead, and down trees.
They have a completely divided set of eyes, which resemble “four eyes.”
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(11-054) Hemlock Beetle (Pseudohylesinus tsugae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western hemlock; occasionally mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir, and subalpine fir
It breeds in the lower boles of dying trees and in recent slash and down trees.
The adult is 3.2 to 4.5 mm long.
Defoliators (Category 12)
Defoliators consume all or portions of foliage (and sometimes buds) of host trees. Defoliating insects
generally are easily visible only during outbreaks and for only a small portion of each year. Identifying
defoliator activity is dependent upon identifying host species, pattern of defoliation, additional signs of insect
activity, and knowledge of recent or current outbreaks. Thinned crowns with reduced foliage would seem to
be the most obvious sign of defoliator activity, however thin crowns might be due to other causes. General
indicators of defoliator activity are: needle loss, chewed needles, bud mining and feeding, webbed needles,
discolored foliage as a result of partial consumption, branch dieback, and top-kill. Light and moderate feeding
may leave crowns with a thinned appearance. Heavy feeding may result in complete defoliation. Severely
defoliated trees are often attacked by secondary agents such as bark beetles. Different defoliating insects
feed on trees in different patterns. Some insects prefer new foliage instead of older foliage; others consume
all ages. Some defoliators remove entire needles others chew on portions of needles. Some prefer particular
host species others are less discriminating, particularly when populations are high. Not all trees in a stand
may be equally defoliated.
(12-001) Casebearer
This is a generic name for moths of the family Cleophoridae. Larvae of the casebearer moths start life as
leafminers. Later they live and feed in case like or tube like shelters.
(12-003) Looper
This is a generic name for geometrid moths of the family Geometridae. Other generic names include
spanworms, inchworms, or measuring worms. They move along by grasping with the hind pair of prolegs
while they extend the body forward, then holding the front legs while they hump their backs to bring up their
rear. This produces a looping motion.
(12-005) Sawfly
Members of the super family Tenthredinoidea are commonly called sawflies because of the saw like ovipositor
of the female. Sawflies comprise one of the most destructive groups of insect defoliators in eastern forests.
Defoliation
Dead eggs
Defoliation
(12-007) Large Elm Leaf Beetle (Monocesta coryli)
Host:
Larvae
Native and Japanese elms, river birch, pecan, hawthorn, and hazelnut, slippery elm is
especially favored
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Adults fly to the top of their hosts, and feed on the leaves for several days. Eggs are
deposited in masses on the undersurfaces of leaves; the larvae are gregarious and
skeletonize the foliage.
The adult is about 12 mm long. Its color is dull yellow to dark brown, with large
greenish patches at the ends of each elytron. Full-grown larvae are reddish brown,
metallic lustered, and about 20 mm long.
(12-008) Spanworms
This is a generic name for geometrid moths of the family Geometridae. Other generic names include loopers,
inchworms, or measuring worms. They move along by grasping with the hind pair of prolegs while they
extend the body forward, then holding the front legs while they hump their backs to bring up their rear. This
produces a looping motion.
(12-011) Western Blackheaded Budworm (Acleris gloverana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Hemlock, spruce, true firs, and Douglas-fir
Damage is confined to new foliage. It resembles damage done by the western spruce
budworm. In the spring, young larvae mine and kill expanding buds; older larvae web
needles together to form a loose shelter and feed primarily on new foliage. Trees may
be killed, top-killed, or severely weakened and thus susceptible to bark beetle attack.
The black-headed larvae have pale yellow bodies and grow to 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length.
Larva
(12-013) Whitefly (Aleyrodoidae)
Larva in web
Defoliation
Whiteflies are related to aphids and scale insects. Generally, they are about 1 mm long. The adults are winged
and covered with a snowy white powder. The nymphs resemble scale insects but do not have a separate shell
like covering. They are naked or covered with waxy material and secrete honeydew, which becomes
blackened by mold. They feed on leaves.
(12-014) Fall Cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Red and white oak groups, maples, elms, hickories, ash, and cherry
Small holes in the leaves are early evidence of young larvae feeding on expanding
foliage. Older larvae consume the entire leaf, except the midribs and major veins. Heavy
defoliation usually occurs in May and June and can cause growth loss and mast
reduction.
The wings of male moths are light gray to tan, with wavy lines, and span about 1 to 1 ½
inches. Females are wingless. Mature larvae are about 1 inch long and vary from light
green to black, with light yellow lines on the sides and a dark dorsal stripe. Coloring
varies with population density.
(12-015) Alder Flea Beetle (Altica ambiens)
Host:
Injury:
Alder
The larvae skeletonize the leaves and the adults chew holes in the leaves.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
The adults are shiny blue, and about 5 to 6 mm long. The mature larvae are a bit longer
but narrower, brown to black above and yellowish below, with shinning black head and
thorax, and short legs. Clusters of yellow eggs are deposited sometime after the spring
appearance of the adults.
(12-016) Mountain Mahogany Looper (Anacamptodes clivinaria profanata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Mountain mahogany and bitterbrush
Feed upon the leaves of their host.
The larvae resemble the grayish-brown twigs of their hosts. The adults have a wingspan
of 27 to 36 mm and are grayish with subdued black and brown markings.
(12-018) Oakworms (Anisota spp.)
Hosts:
Injury:
Description:
Red and white oak groups
Young larvae feed in groups, skeletonizing the leaf. Later they consume all but the main
veins and usually defoliate one branch before moving onto another. Older larvae are
less gregarious. Defoliation takes place in late summer or fall.
The larvae are greenish brown with four pink stripes, or tawny and pinkish with short
spines. Larvae are about 2 inches long and have a pair of long, curved “horns.” The adult
moths are yellowish-red, with a single white dot on each of the forewings.
(12-020) Western Larch Sawfly (Anoplonyx occidens)
Hosts:
Injury:
Description:
Western larch
Younger larvae often feed in clusters on needles. Larvae feed heavily on foliage from
late June through August and eat chunks out of needles.
Larvae are hairless, have shiny heads with two single eyes, and have six or more pairs of
prolegs on their abdomens. Full-grown larvae are 5/8 to 1 inch long. Larvae have
brown heads and green stripes along body.
(12-021) Fruit Tree Leafroller (Archips argyrospila)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oak, elm, aspen, ash, and soft maple
The early stage caterpillars feed on the swelling buds in May, injuring the terminal
growth. Later, they feed on the unfolding leaves, rolling and webbing them. When the
population is large, the terminal growth suffers considerable damage.
The moths are brownish. The wingspread is about 7/8 inch, and the forewings have a
creamy or straw colored mottling. The full-grown caterpillar is about ¾ inch long, and
has a light-green body and a dark-brown head.
(12-022) Uglynest Caterpillar (Archips cerasivorana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Chokecherry and black cherry
The caterpillars are gregarious and construct a web, tying the twigs and leaves into a
dense nest and enlarging it as they feed on the foliage. Individual nests may be a foot or
more long. Under heavy population conditions, the nests may be numerous and an
entire small tree may be enclosed.
The moths are dull orange, with a wing expanse of about 1one inch and a reddish-brown
speckling on the forewings. The full-grown caterpillars are about ¾ inch long, black
headed, and yellow bodied. Pupation occurs within the web, and prior to moth
emergence, the pupae wriggle part of the way out of the nest. The cast pupal skins
remain attached to the nest and are a good indication that feeding has been completed.
(12-023) Boxelder Defoliator (Archips negundanus)
Host:
Injury:
Boxelders
Skeletonizes and rolls the leaves, sometimes completely defoliating attacked trees.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-026) Arborvitae Leafminer (Argyresthia thuiella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Northern white cedar
As the larvae feed on and excavate the tissue between leaf surfaces, individual leaves or
groups of leaves at the tips of branches become yellow or brown. If held to the light, the
leaf will appear translucent. The larvae may be seen in the mines in late summer of
early spring by holding the leaf to the light and probing the brownish area to make the
caterpillars wiggle.
Leafminers over-winter as immature adults in the leaves. In late April and early May the
larvae are feeding. The adult moths, which appear from mid-May through June, are light
gray, with an average wingspan of 3/8 inch. They wedge their eggs between the tip of
one leaf scale and the base of an adjoining one. On hatching, the larvae enter the leaf.
Most moths have laid their eggs and died by July 1.
(12-030) Pear Sawfly (Caliroa cerasi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cherry, pear, hawthorn, plum, quince, mountain ash, black cherry, and shadbush
The larvae feed mostly from the upper surface of the leaf, eating the parenchyma only.
Heavily infested trees appear as if scorched, and their leaves drop prematurely.
Full-grown larvae are tadpole shaped, slug like, and about 12 mm long. The body is
covered with a shiny, olive-green material secreted by the larvae. Eggs are deposited
singly in small semi-circular slits cut in the leaf tissue.
(12-033) Boxelder Leafroller (Caloptilia negundela)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Boxelders
Defoliators
Very small moths
Host:
Injury:
Spruce
Larvae construct shelters of silk and excreta at the crotch of a twig or branch. The larvae
forage from these shelters by cutting the older needles and eating them from the base
outwards. Tips of needles are usually not eaten and may be incorporated into the
shelters.
The larvae have elongate antennae, lack abdominal legs and bear a pair of jointed
appendages at the posterior end. Color is variable, but the head is usually dark and the
body brownish with a reddish line on the back. When full-grown and about 25 mm long,
the larvae drop to the ground to over winter.
(12-035) Spruce Webspinning Sawfly (Cephalcia fascipennis)
Description:
(12-036) Two-Year Budworm (Choristoneura biennis)
Host:
Description:
Englemann spruce, white spruce, and subalpine fir
Eggs are laid in even-numbered years and the larvae over winter in the second instar. In
odd-numbered years they develop to the fourth instar and gain over winter. The
following year they feed on both new and old needles and complete their 2-year life
cycle. Adults are darker and slightly larger than those of the western spruce budworm
are.
(12-037) Large Aspen Tortrix (Choristoneyra conflictana)
Host:
Injury:
Quaking aspen, during large outbreaks it may feed on balsam poplar, paper birch,
willow, alder, and black cottonwood
Defoliated trees usually refoliate in mid- to late summer. Because new foliage is sparse
and individual leaves are smaller, tree crowns appear thin.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
The tortrix lays greenish, flat, overlapping eggs in round masses on upper leaf surfaces.
The first instar larvae spin hibernating cocoons in protected locations on the tree trunk.
In the spring, at the time of bud break, larvae emerge, climb the tree and mine the
expanding buds. The mature larvae are green to black with a black head and anal plate.
Pupation occurs in leaves trolled or webbed together on the tree.
(12-038) Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana)
Host:
Primarily Balsam fir, white, red, and black spruce are suitable host trees, some feeding
may occur on tamarack, pine, and hemlock. Spruce mixed with balsam fir is more likely
to suffer budworm damage than spruce in pure stands.
The newly hatched budworm larva is very small and difficult to find because it bores
into and feeds on needles or expanding buds. These larvae can cause severe damage to
the expanding buds. As the larva grows, needles are severed at the base and left hanging
in a thin silken web. The severed needles turn brown, giving the defoliated tree a
scorched appearance. This condition is apparent from about mid-June until late August,
depending on the weather and latitude. Early in an epidemic, defoliation is usually most
noticeable in the top portion of the crown. After several years of heavy defoliation, the
forest turns gray as dead tops become conspicuous. Individual trees die after one or
more years of heavy defoliation, depending on their general vigor.
Injury:
Adult
Egg mass
Pupa
(12-039) Sugar Pine Tortrix (Choristoneura lambertiana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Balsam fir mined needles
Lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and limber pine
In the spring, larvae mine needle sheaths and staminate flowers. Later, up to 90 percent
of the new growth can be consumed. Repeated defoliation can cause top kill.
It is closely related to the western spruce budworm and closely resembles it in all life
stages.
(12-040) Western Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis)
Hosts:
Injury:
Description:
Adult
Douglas-fir, all true firs, spruce, and larch, may be found on pines
Larvae mine buds and old needles in spring then consume new foliage as it appears.
After several years of heavy defoliation, branch dieback, top kill, and tree mortality can
occur. Cones and seeds of all host species are also destroyed. Terminal and lateral new
shoots of larch are severed.
Look for larvae or pupae in silken nests of webbed, chewed needles from June until
August. Female moths lay eggs on needles in a shingle-like pattern in August. Older
larvae and pupae are brown with ivory- colored spots. Sporadic outbreaks have
occurred throughout eastern Oregon and Washington.
Green form adult
Larvae and defoliation
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Sixth-instart larva
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Larva hanging by
silk strand
Topkill
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Eggs
Fifth-instar larva
Distribution
(12-043) Aspen Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela crotchi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen, especially quaking aspen
Feed on the leaves
Adults are light brown to dull orange and without markings, moderately to strongly
convex, elongate oval, and 5 to 10 mm long.
(12-044) Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela scripta)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Willows, poplars, aspens, and alders are attacked in the eastern United States.
The young larvae skeletonize the leaves. Later they feed separately and consume the
entire leaf, except the larger veins. Adults chew holes in the leave, may attack tender
shoots, sometimes killing the terminals, causing reduced growth, stem deformity, or tree
mortality. Stunting and multiple forked tops are especially severe in intensively
managed cotton wood plantations. Damage is most critical 3 years after planting and
may cause mortality.
Adults are about ¼ inches long. The head and thorax are black, and the margins of the
thorax are red or yellow. The wing covers are usually yellowish with broken black
stripes, but are sometimes almost pure golden to black. Young larvae are black, but
become light to dark brown with prominent white scent gland spots along their sides.
Mature larvae reach about ½ inch in length. The larvae emit a pungent odor when
disturbed. Eggs are lemon yellow in clusters of 25 or more on the undersides of the
leaves.
(12-045) Leafhopper (Cicadellidae)
Leafhoppers are the family Cicadellidae. They are plant feeders that suck the juices out of plants. Some carry
diseases. The nymphs usually feed on only a few species of plants; the adults feed on many species.
Leafhoppers are typically slender, delicate, boat shaped insects, 3 to 10 mm long. They are various shades of
brown, green, or yellow with contrasting markings. Their hind tibiae have numerous spines in longitudinal
rows. They jump and fly readily when disturbed.
(12-046) Poplar Tentmaker (Clostera inclusa)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Poplar, willows, and cottonwoods
Small groups of poplar and willow can be defoliated, especially trees growing in the
open. Newly hatched larvae skeletonize the leaf; older larvae devour all except the leaf
stalk. Severe defoliation occurs during summer and early fall. Many one or two-leaf
webbed tents hang from the branches.
Full-grown larvae are light brown to nearly black and up to 1¾ inch long. They have
four light yellow lines on the back, and a bright yellow and several distinct lines on each
side. Adults are brownish-gray, with three whitish lines crossing each forewing. A wavy
band crosses the hind wings.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-047) Larch Casebearer (Coleophora laricella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Defoliation
Western larch
Damage is most conspicuous during May and June when the mature larvae feed on new
foliage and needles turn from yellow-brown to reddish-brown after being mined or
“hollowed out” by larvae. Heavily defoliated trees may appear reddish or scorched as
the new needles die. This damage can be mistaken for needle diseases.
Eggs hatch in mid to late summer, and larvae initially mine needles. Later each larva
cuts off part of a hollowed-out needle and crawls inside it, so that the needle case
protects most of its body as it feeds. The half-grown larvae spend the winter in needle
cases on twigs, and complete their life cycle during the following spring and summer.
Mature larvae are 1/5 to 1/4 inch long. In the early spring and late summer, look for
“cases” (portion of hollowed-out needle with larva in it) attached to needles, or examine
needles for entrance holes determine if they are hollow. Hollow needles with holes are
the only clues during the summer because new generation larvae do not make cases
until September.
Dead eggs
Defoliation
(12-049) Lodgepole Needleminer (Coleotechnites milleri)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Defoliation
Lodgepole pine, during epidemics, other pines, red fir, and mountain hemlock may be
attacked
Trees may be killed through the cumulative effects of defoliation.
The adults are mottled light gray moths that have a wingspan of 8 to 13 mm and
strongly fringed hind wings. The larvae are naked and black headed. Their bodies are
uniformly colored, but individuals vary from lemon yellow to orange, pink, and red. This
species has a 2-year life cycle.
Defoliation
Defoliation
(12-050) Ponderosa Needleminer (Coleotechnites spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Defoliation
Ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine
Miner larvae feed inside a needle or needle sheath. Mined needles turn yellowish, dry,
and fall off twigs. Larvae mine needles all year. Needles have entrance holes in them
and look hollow when held up to the light.
Moths are small, narrow-winged, mottled, and generally grayish. The larvae are
leafminers.
(12-051) Black Hills Pandora Moth (Coloradia doris)
Host:
Larvae
Ponderosa pine
O-22
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Heavy defoliation occurs only every other year, when feeding by large larvae take place.
If feeding is heavy, stands viewed from the air are reddish. Later, crowns appear thin
with remaining foliage chiefly at tips of branches. Feeding larvae are easy to detect
because of their size. If feeding populations are present, larvae or stubs of needles and
cast larval skins can be found on small trees. Once larvae have become large, greenish or
brownish droppings under infested overstory trees indicate their presence. Full-grown
larvae may be found crawling down tree trunks or wandering on the soil surface. Moth
flights to lights of nearby towns are sometimes the first indications of an up surging
population.
The large caterpillars have much longer and more conspicuously branched spines that
the regular Pandora moth. The adults resemble the Pandora moth except the hind wings
are more translucent and the eyespots on the forewings are not so prominent and are
oblong instead of round.
(12-052) Pandora Moth (Coloradia pandora)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
First-instar larvae
Ponderosa, Jeffery, and lodgepole pines. Coulter pine and sugar pine are sometimes
attacked. The insect is chiefly found inland mountain areas from Montana, to south New
Mexico and Arizona on the east, and from Oregon to s. California on the west. Outbreaks
are limited to pine areas having loose soils.
Heavy defoliation occurs only every other year, when feeding by large larvae take place.
If feeding is heavy, stands viewed from the air are reddish. Later, crowns appear thin
with remaining foliage chiefly at tips of branches. Feeding larvae are easy to detect
because of their size. If feeding populations are present, larvae or stubs of needles and
cast larval skins can be found on small trees. Once larvae have become large, greenish or
brownish droppings under infested overstory trees indicate their presence. Full-grown
larvae may be found crawling down tree trunks or wandering on the soil surface. Moth
flights to lights of nearby towns are sometimes the first indications of an up surging
population.
This moth is one of the largest forest insects in North America. Moths are 1 to 1 1/2
inches long and have a wingspan of 3 to 4 ½ inches.
Egg mass
Larva
(12-053) Sycamore Lace Bug (Corythucha ciliata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larva
Defoliation
Sycamore
Feeding is done by developing nymphs. The undersurface of leaves is speckled with
eggs, excrement, and cast nymphal skins, and the surface is discolored. In heavy
infestations, trees lose most of their leaves.
The adults have characteristic lacy wing covers with prothoracic expansion. The head is
covered with a lacelike arching hood. The length varies from 1/8 to ¼ inch. The
nymphs are dark brown to black, have spiny projections, and increase in length as they
develop.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-054) Lace Bugs (Corythucha spp.)
Hosts:
Injury:
Description:
Sycamore, oak, elm, hackberry, and basswood
Infested leaves have chlorotic flecks or tiny chlorotic spots on the upper side. Heavily
infested trees may be partially or fully defoliated, especially during dry weather.
Nymphs are usually dark colored and covered with spines. Adults have broad,
transparent, lacelike wing covers. They are flattened, and about ¼ inch long. Some
species are beautifully colored.
(12-055) Oak Leaftier (Croesia semipurpurana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oaks, especially red oaks
Bud miner and defoliator. The eggs over-winter on branches, then hatch in the spring.
Young larvae burrow into expanding buds, while older larvae tie sections of leaves
together and feed inside the folds.
Full-grown larvae are dirty white to light green. The pale head capsule has black bars on
the sides. In May the mature larvae spin down to the ground and pupate in the soil litter.
Eggs are deposited individually on the bark of second-year branches.
(12-58) Yellownecked Caterpillar (Datana ministra)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oaks and other hardwoods
Newly hatched larvae skeletonize the leaf; older larvae devour all except the leaf stalk.
Individual trees, or even stands, may be defoliated during late summer and early fall.
Since defoliation is confined to the late part of the growing season, little damage is
caused to the tree.
The larvae are yellowish and black stripped, and moderately covered with fine, white
hairs. The head is jet black. The segment behind the head is bright yellow-orange hence,
its name. Full-grown larvae are about 2 inches long. When disturbed, the larvae lift
their heads and tails in a distinctive U-shape.
(12-59) Walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Preferred host is black oaks, basswood, and wild cherry. Quaking aspen, paper birch,
hickory, locust, apple, and chestnut are attacked if they are present in stands with the
preferred hosts. Occasional feeding has been recorded on ashes, bigtooth aspen, wild
grape, and some dogwoods. Most species of maple and boxelder are avoided. The range
is predominantly in the Eastern United States and adjacent Canada. This insect has been
recorded from nearly all the States east of the Great Plains plus parts of western Texas,
New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. Severe outbreaks
rarely occur below a line drawn from southern Nebraska to Delaware.
The entire leaf blade, except the basal parts of the stout veins, is consumed. During
heavy outbreaks, large stands are often completely denuded. Trees may be defoliated
two times in the same season in some outbreaks. Three or four heavy infestations are
usually sufficient to cause some branch mortality. The walkingstick does not fly.
Infestations expand only a few hundred yards during the season. A stream or road
separating parts of a stand often retards the spread of the insect. One side of such
barriers can have completely denuded trees while the other might have little or no
injury.
The seed like, oval egg is about 2.2 mm. long, 1.5 mm, wide, and 1.0 mm. deep. It is very
hard and shiny black or brown with a broad white or olive-colored band on one edge.
One end has an indistinct brown cap by which the nymph emerges. The newly hatched
nymph looks like a miniature reproduction of the adult. It is a delicate pale green and
measures about five-sixteenths of an inch long. The adult is 2½ to 3½ inches long, the
female being usually larger and thicker than the male. Both sexes are slender and
wingless with long thin legs and antennae. Some adults are all brown or green, while
others are mottled or multicolored with dark or light shades of grays, greens, reds, and
O-24
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
browns. Their overall shape and coloration, plus their habit of remaining motionless for
long periods, make them closely resemble the twigs of their hosts.
Adult female
(12-060) Spruce Coneworm (Dioryctria reniculelloides)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir; alpine, balsam and Pacific silver firs; western hemlock; lodgepole pine;
black, blue, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and white spruces; possible jack pine and tamarack
Infested cones and shoots are enveloped in a mass of webbed frass. Infested cones
hollowed out.
Adult wingspan about 24 mm; fore wing mottled dark gray with sharp white cross
bands; hind wing dark gray with obvious pale band; first instar has nine broken stripes
and is cinnamon brown; mature larvae about 17 mm long, with dark-brown head, body
brown, five wide longitudinal stripes, three dorsal cinnamon colored and two lateral
dark brown.
(12-061) Introduced Pine Sawfly (Diprion similis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult male
Natural and planted pines are attacked. In general, the five-needle pines are preferred,
but several species of two-needle pines are attacked. Common hosts are white pine,
Scotch pine, jack pine, and red pine. Austrian pine appears to be resistant to injury by
the young larvae. The older larvae, however, will feed readily on its foliage. White pine
is preferred by the female for egg laying, but egg survival is not as high as on other pines.
However, the greater number of eggs laid on white pine and a very high survival of
young larvae contribute toward making it the most injured species.
Injury is caused by the loss of needles. Young larvae consume only the outer, tender
parts of the needles, so that the first evidence of damage is the straw like remains of
these needles. Older larvae consume the entire needle and nibble the bark. Firstgeneration larvae feed exclusively on the old foliage because they emerge and feed in the
spring before the new needles are fully developed. Later generations feed
indiscriminately on old or new needles. Where the insect population is high, the host
may be denuded in one season. Late season defoliation, when buds are already formed,
is sufficient to kill most conifers; and branch killing is common. Despite occasional high
populations locally, only a small amount of mortality has occurred to date. Trees under
heavy larval attack, however, lose considerable height growth.
The egg, when freshly laid, is pale whitish blue, translucent, and shiny. Just prior to
hatching, it becomes bluish green to dark green. It is nearly oval with blunt rounded
ends. A few days after it is laid, it swells slightly, becoming about 1.5 mm. long by 0.5
mm. wide. The newly emerged larva has a dull gray body with black legs. When fully
grown, it is about 1 inch long with a shiny black head. The body is marked on top along
the entire length by a dark brown or black double stripe. Lateral to this is a wide
irregular yellow stripe broken into oval yellow patches by numerous, narrow,
transverse lines. The background color of the body is dark brown or black, but is nearly
inconspicuous because of the numerous yellow and white spots on each segment. The,
underside of the larva is pale yellow or white. The cocoon is cylindrical with
hemispherical ends. It is finely textured, somewhat glossy, and brown. The average size
is 9 mm. long by 5 mm. wide. The adult is fly-like in general appearance but has four
shiny transparent wings. The average length of the female is 8 mm, that of the male 7
O-25
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
mm. Both sexes have black heads and thoraxes; the abdomen of the female is yellow and
black, that of the male black to brown. The male can be easily distinguished from the
female by his broad feathery antennae.
Larvae
(12-066) White Fir Needleminer (Epinotia meritana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cocoons
True fir; principally white fir and grand fir and red fir
Repeated defoliation causes extensive branch killing, deterioration of tree crowns, and
increased susceptibility to Scolytus.
The forewings of the adult are dusty gray, alternately banded with black scales, and
fringed with long gray scales. Wing spread is 10 to 11 mm. The mature larvae are about
8 mm long; yellowish green to cream colored, and has a brownish black head and shield.
(12-069) Pine Needleminer (Exoteleia pinifoliella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Jack, pitch, and shortleaf pines, are preferred, but Virginia, Scotch, scrub, longleaf,
loblolly, and red pines have been infested
Young larvae bore into the bases of current year needles, killing them within 2 to 3
weeks. Older larvae mine in both old and new needles, killing the portions beyond the
entrance holes.
The adult has a wingspan of about 9 mm. The forewing is reddish to golden brown and
is marked by four narrow, grayish bands. The hind wings are wider than the forewings.
Full-grown larvae are pinkish and about 6 mm long.
(12-071) Elm Leafminer (Fenusa ulmi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
English and Scotch elms, occasionally American elm
Large blotchy or blister-like larval mines are formed between the upper and lower leaf
surfaces in late May and early June. Several larvae may be in a common mine. Small
trees are most seriously injured, but large trees may also be heavily infested. In severs
infestations the leaves fall prematurely.
The adults are sawflies, very similar in appearance to those of the birch leafminer. The
legless, flattened larvae are white with a greenish cast and have a brown head.
(12-072) Geometrid Moth (Geometridae)
Larvae of this family usually have only two well-developed pairs of prolegs and they move by a looping
process. Adults have broad wings, frequently marked by fine contrasting transverse lines.
(12-073) Leafblotch Miner (Gracillariidae)
This is the largest family of leaf mining species. The adults are tine and beautifully arrayed in shinning scales
and plumes, and their lanceolate wings are overlaid with glistening scales of silver or burnished gold. While
the adult is at rest, the front part of the body is raised and the wing tips touch the surface on which it sits.
Early instar is flat and usually feed first within mines in the leaves. Later, some feed mostly on the leaf tissues
from within tent like mines or they skeletonize the leaves from shelters made by folding over parts of the
leaves.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-074) Spotted Tussock Moth (Halisidota maculata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oak, poplar, birch, beech, black locust, boxelder, wild black cherry, maple, and willow
The larvae are solitary feeders except during outbreaks. The larvae feed on the foliage.
The adult is pale yellow, with long, pointed brown spotted forewings and has a
wingspread of 37 to 50 mm. Full-grown larvae are about 30 mm long, dull black above,
are thickly clothed with tufts of black and bright yellow to whitish hairs, and have a row
of short tufts down the middle of the dorsum.
(12-077) Brown Day Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Willow, poplar, birch, oak
Larvae feed on trees
Showy yellow to orange brown moth with black markings and pinkish overtones and
has a wingspan of 75 mm. The caterpillars are shiny brown to black and have reddish
spots on the back and a narrow red line on each side.
(12-081) Cherry Scallop Shell Moth (Hydria prunivorata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Black cherry, wild cherry, and chokecherry
Larvae fasten margins of leaves together and from an elongated nest, within which they
feed on the upper tissues of the leaves. Progressive feeding defoliates entire trees. Two
to three years of heavy defoliation may cause mortality.
Adults emerge in late spring or early summer from leaf litter. Females lay eggs in late
June in pyramid-shaped masses, one to four layers deep, on the underside of leaves. Egg
laying continues throughout the summer. Eggs hatch in a few days and larvae are
present through early fall. Grown larvae are pale yellow with dark-gray or black dorsal
stripes; the head is usually orange-brown.
(12-082) Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Persimmon, pecan, and sourwood
The first signs are large, silken web and skeletonized leaves. The silken web usually
contains large numbers of caterpillars.
The adult moth has a wingspan of 1 to 1 ¼ inches and is snowy white, usually with dark
spots on the wings. The larvae are 1 to 1 ¼ inches long and covered with silky hairs.
The color varies from pale yellow to green, with a black stripe on each side. The pupae
are found inside a gray cocoon constructed of silk, frass, and debris. The eggs are small,
yellow, or light green, and turn gray before hatching.
(12-083) Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
True firs, western hemlock, (Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, western white pine,
western larch during epidemics)
Larvae feed mostly at the base of needles and usually cut needles off from June to
August. Old and new foliage are destroyed and mature larvae will feed on buds and
tender shoots. The complete destruction of tissue can kill trees in 1 year. Heavy
populations can cover a whole Forest with silken webs.
Typical “inch-worm” type larvae on needles, from June to August. Mature larvae are
about 1-3/8 inches long, green to brown in color with diamond-shaped markings on
their backs.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Adult
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Larva
(12-085) Tent Caterpillar Moth (Lasiocampidae)
Larva
Adult
The moths of this family are medium sized and stout bodied; the body, legs, and eyes are hairy; and the
antennae are somewhat feathery. The larvae are very hairy.
(12-086) Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Poplars and willows
The young larvae feed for a short time, then spin hibernacula in bark crevices where
they pas the winter. They resume feeding in the spring.
The adult is a white moth with a satiny luster, a wingspan of 37 to 5 mm, black eyes and
legs, and a body clothed with long white satiny hairs. The full-grown caterpillar is about
50 mm long, blackish with a row of nearly square marks along the back and white
markings on the sides.
(12-087) Willow Leafblotch Miner (Lithocolletis spp.)
This is the largest genus of leafminers. Many species mine leaves of broad-leaved trees. The larvae of some
are cylindrical; others are flattened. Practically all pupate in the larval mine. The adults are tiny moths.
Their forewings are elongate and yellowish with white cross bars and diagonal markings. Wingspread is 5 to
10 mm.
(12-088) Aspen Blotchminer (Lithocolletis tremuloidiella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Irregularly shaped blotchy tent-like mines are made in the leaves in June and early July
and again in August. He mines may be nearly ¾ inch long and half as wide, and several
may develop in each leaf. The upper surface of the mines is paler than the surrounding
areas. The heaviest attack is on young trees or in the lower crown of larger trees. Forest
trees are usually not seriously affected, but heavy feeding will cause premature
dropping of the foliage.
The moths are white with brown bands across the forewings. The wingspread is about
¼ inch. The full-grown caterpillars are dark and about 1/5 inch long.
(12-089) Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
Host:
Injury:
Larvae prefer hardwoods, but may feed on several hundred different species of trees
and shrubs. In the East, the moth prefers oaks, apple, sweetgum, speckled alder,
basswood, gray and white birch, poplar, willow, and hawthorn, although other species
are also affected. Older larvae feed on cottonwood, hemlock, southern white cedar, and
the pines and spruces native to the East. During periods when gypsy moth populations
are dense, larvae feed on almost all vegetation: To date, the gypsy moth has avoided ash,
yellow-poplar, sycamore, butternut, black walnut, catalpa, flowering dogwood, balsam
fir, red cedar, American holly, and shrubs such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and
arborvitae.
In wooded suburban areas, during periods of infestation when trees are visibly
defoliated, gypsy moth larvae crawl up and down walls, across roads, over outdoor
furniture, and even inside homes. During periods of feeding, they leave behind a
mixture of small pieces of leaves and frass, or excrement. Gypsy moth infestations
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
alternate between years when trees experience little visible defoliation (gypsy moth
population numbers are sparse) followed by 2 to 4 years when trees are visibly
defoliated (gypsy moth population numbers are dense).
Only the larvae damage trees and shrubs. Gypsy moth egg masses are laid on
branches and trunks of trees, but egg masses may be found in any sheltered location.
Egg masses are buff colored when first laid but may bleach out over the winter months
when exposed to direct sunlight and weathering. The hatching of gypsy moth eggs
coincides with budding of most hardwood trees. Larvae emerge from egg masses from
early spring through mid-May.
When population numbers are sparse, the movement of the larvae up and down the
tree coincides with light intensity. Larvae in the fourth instar feed in the top branches or
crown at night. When the sun comes up, larvae crawl down the trunk of the tree to rest
during daylight hours. Larvae hide under flaps of bark, in crevices, or under branches any place that provides protection. When larvae hide underneath leaf litter, mice,
shrews, and beetles can prey on them. At dusk, when the sun sets, larvae climb back up
to the top branches of the host tree to feed. When population numbers are dense, larvae
feed continuously day and night until the foliage of the host tree is stripped. Then they
crawl in search of new sources of food.
Egg masses and firstinstar larvae
Larva
Adult male and female
(12-090) Cottonwood Leafminers (Lyonetia spp.)
Adult female and egg
masses
This family contains numerous species of small narrow winged moths. The larvae are leafminers when
young. Most species become skeletonizers when older. Pupae are formed in elongate ribbed cocoons on the
foliage and branches.
(12-093) Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Species of the genus Prunus are preferred, with black cherry the primary, uncultivated
host
Larvae construct a white web or tent in the crotch of a small branch. They consume the
entire leaf, except the midrib.
Grown larvae are between 2 to 2 ½ inches in length. Caterpillars have black heads, with
long, light brown body hairs. The back has a light stripe, bordered on each side with
yellowish-brown and black wavy lines. The sides are marked with blue and black spots.
Moths have a wingspread of 2 to 21/2 inches and are yellowish-brown, with two
narrow, light lines across the front.
(12-094) Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen, cottonwoods, and willows
Moderate to complete defoliation of trees with large silken tents on branches, presence
of larvae in and around tents. Heavy defoliation of aspen for many years will cause
growth loss, top-kill, and mortality.
Mature larvae are 1½ to 2 inches long and vary widely in coloration. Heads are blue to
black and body colors patterns are a mixture of black, orange, and blue. Larvae are
usually quite hairy.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Larvae in web in
bitterbrush
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Larvae in web in
bitterbrush
Larvae in web in alder
Larva
(12-096) Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria)
Host:
Injury:
Broadleaved trees: in the Northeast, sugar maple and aspens; in the Lake States, quaking
aspen and oaks; in the Appalachians and in the Central States, oaks; in the Mid-south and
in southern coastal States, water tupelo, sweetgum, and swamp blackgum; in the
Mississippi Valley, cottonwood and elms; in Texas, oaks; and in the Northwest, red alder
and willow. Other tree species fed upon include birch, cherry, basswood, and ash.
Species not fed upon are red maple, sycamore, and most conifers.
Often defoliates extensive areas. Outbreaks in the Lake States typically last for 3 years,
and then subside. Diameter growth may be reduced as much as 90 percent. Such
defoliation kills few trees except for those that are suppressed. Unusual outbreaks
lasting 5 to 7 years have caused mortality up to 59 percent where aspen grew over a
high water table. Water tupelo in southwest Alabama subjected to annual defoliation for
nearly 20 years grew only .05 inch in diameter per year on the average. Sweetgums in
adjacent areas began dying after three successive defoliations. Tree flowers may be
eaten, nectar gathering by honeybees may be reduced, and seed production is
diminished. During years when larvae hatch before leaves unfold, caterpillars mine
buds. The quantity and quality of sugar maple sap are greatly reduced because of
defoliation. New foliage appearing after spring defoliation may be stunted and thin.
Caterpillars
(12-098) Leafcutting Bees (Megachilidae)
Moth
Leafcutting bees are small to medium sized. They range in color from black, brown, and gray, to metallic blue
or green. Their name relates to their habit of cutting discs from the leaves of various plants to line their cell
like nests.
(12-099) Blister Beetle (Meloidae spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Shrubs and young hardwoods in nurseries and shelterbelts
The leaves are partially eaten at the margins, but heavy populations will cause
noticeable defoliation.
The adults are ½ to 1 inch long and vary in color, generally being gray or black. The
abdomen often is large and extends beyond the ends of the wing covers. The larvae of
some of the species are predatory on grasshopper eggs in the soil.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-102) Willow Sawfly (Nematus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Willow and aspen
The early stage larvae feed in compact colonies, making small holes in the leaves. As
they develop, each leaf, except the midrib, is eaten. The most severe damage occurs on
willow along stream banks.
The sawflies are brownish black with yellowish-white markings. They are about 1/3
inch long and have membranous wings with a spread of about ½ inch. The developing
larvae are greenish black with a row of large yellow spots on each side of the body;
when full grown, the general body color is slate black, and the spots are somewhat
faded. They rear back when disturbed.
(12-104) Lodgepole Sawfly (Neodiprion burkei)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Lodgepole pine
Younger larvae often feed in clusters on needles. Larvae can strip all old needles from
trees late May to late July. Larvae feed primarily on older foliage; they are rarely found
on the current year’s foliage.
Larvae are hairless, have shiny heads with two single eyes, and six or more pairs of
prolegs on their abdomens. Full-grown larvae are 5/8 to 1 inch long. Adults are 6 to 8
mm long, and are yellowish-green with black heads.
(12-106) Pine Infesting Sawflies (Neodiprion fulviceps)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa, Jeffery, sugar, western white, and Monterey pine
Can completely defoliate a tree. The larvae feed on foliage of the previous year or older.
They are several related species. Female adults are 6 to 9 mm long and brownish; males
are from 5 to 7 mm long and shiny black. The younger instars are generally dark green
and the older instars are dark green with light green longitudinal stripes.
(12-115) Hemlock Sawfly (Neodiprion tsugae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western hemlock in SE Alaska, coastal Washington and Oregon, Montana and Idaho;
Sitka spruce, mountain hemlock, and Pacific silver fir may be defoliated if they are near
the infestation
Most outbreaks collapse with little or no mortality unless the insect is feeding in
association with other defoliators. Trees may be top killed. Young sawfly usually feed in
colonies. Two or more larvae often feed on the same needle, starting from the tip and
feeding back to the base. Immature larvae feed only on old foliage, but maturing larvae
will also attack new foliage if all of the older foliage is depleted. High populations may
remove all of the older foliage. This makes the crowns appear thin and gray. During
outbreaks, many cocoons can be seen on twigs, foliage, underbrush, and the forest floor.
The egg is pale yellow and surrounded by host needle tissue. Just before hatching it
swells, darkens, and may bulge from the needle. The larvae are nearly black but later
turns dark green. When full-grown, longitudinal stripes appear. The cocoon is
cylindrical with bluntly rounded ends. Adults are “thickwaisted” and 5-8 mm long.
Females are larger than males, yellow or brownish, and have serrated antennae. Males
are black with plumed antennae.
(12-116) Pine Butterfly (Neophasia menapia)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and western white pine; Douglas-fir, western larch, and
western hemlock during outbreaks
Most damage occurs on ponderosa pine. The greenish, hairless larvae feed on older
needles from late May to late July. Look for single rows of emerald green eggs from
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Defoliation
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
September to June on needles. After the first year of infestation, defoliated trees often
have a tufted appearance.
Adult white butterflies can be seen flying around the crowns and branches of pines from
late July into September.
Eggs
(12-117) False Hemlock Looper (Nepytia canosaria)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult
Larva
Douglas-fir
Young larvae feed on underside of new foliage causing needles to shrivel and die. Later
in season, older needles are fed upon. Larvae are capable of striping foliage from the
upper half of trees in one season from June to August. Top kill and tree mortality have
occurred.
Look for “inch worm” larvae on foliage from June into August. Mature larvae are about
one inch long, a deep tan color, and contain a yellow, broad ventral stripe bordered by
several darker stripes.
(12-118) California Tortiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Willow
Caterpillars can seriously defoliate their hosts.
The black larvae are marked above with row of bright yellow spines mounted on blue
tubercles between which are numerous yellow dots. The pupa is shiny brown with stout
points above on the sides. The forewing of the butterfly is brown and deep orange, with
black spots and a black border, and hind wing has a black dot and purple spots.
(12-120) Bruce Spanworm (Operophtera bruceata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen, sugar maple
The larvae skeletonize the tender leaves at the branch tips. The adults eat the leaves
partially, but in an outbreak all but the midribs and larger veins may be devoured.
Heavy feeding occurs at intervals of 15 years and may last for 3 years. The early stage
spanworms feed on the blossom buds.
The wingless females are light brownish gray and are about 1/3 inch long. The male
moths are pale grayish with brownish flecks. The full-grown larvae are about one inch
long and bright green with yellowish stripes.
(12-121) Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Coniferous and deciduous trees, including balsam fir and spruce
Defoliation
When full-grown the larvae are about 28 mm long. They change to pupae in yellow-gray
cocoons in a variety of niches. The adults, winged males and wingless females, emerge
mainly in august and September. Eggs are deposited in a single-layered mass on the
cocoon.
(12-122) Whitemarked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Host:
Live oak, water oak, red oak, and white oak
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Young larvae chew small holes in leaves. Older larvae feed on leaf edges, consuming
entire leaves, except for larger veins and midribs. Entire tree may be defoliated.
The larvae are 1 to 1 ½ inches long. It has a bright red head with a yellowish body, a
pair of upright pencil tufts of black hairs on the prothorax, and four white to yellowish
brush like tufts of hairs on the back toward the head. The adult male moth is gray
brown, with dark wavy bands and a white spot. The female is wingless and whitish gray.
(12-123) Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
New egg masses
Adult females
Douglas-fir, true firs, and spruce
Larvae feed from late May until August and prefer new needles, but will consume older
needles; trees are often stripped from the top down. Newly expanded needles that are
partially consumed die and turn red giving stands a reddish hue until the needles drop.
Treetops may have white caps due to silk from dispersing larvae.
Young larvae are grayish with long hairs. Older larvae are orange-brownish with dense
brushes of hairs on their backs and short hairs radiating from red “buttons” along their
bodies; fully-grown larvae are 1 to 1-3/16 inch long. From August to May, egg masses
that are coated with hairs may be found on branches, twigs, and tree trunks.
Feeding on new
foliage
Larva
Adult male
Late-instar larva
(12-124) Western Tussock Moth (Orgyia vetusta)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pupal case and egg
mass
Webbing on tree top
Defoliation
Shrubs, willows, and numerous kinds of fruit trees
Though the young caterpillars are present in spring, they are likely to escape detection
because they are small and cause minor damage. In June, the larvae get large and they
and their feeding injury become easily visible. Shrubs may be completely defoliated by
mid-June. After larvae have transformed into adults and left the plants, the cause of
defoliation can be inferred from their cocoons and the egg masses attached to the lower
stems.
(12-125) Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata)
Host:
Injury:
Cocoons and larva on
foliage
Red and white oak groups, maples, elms, hickories, ash, and cherry
Small holes in the leaves are early evidence of young larvae feeding on expanding
foliage. Older larvae consume the entire leaf, except the midribs and major veins. Heavy
defoliation usually occurs in May and June and can cause growth loss and mast
reduction.
The wings of male moths are light gray to tan, with wavy lines, and span about 1 to 1 ½
inches. Females are wingless. Mature larvae are 4/5 to 1 5/10 inches long and range in
color from reddish to yellowish brown, yellowish green, or black. The head is light and
mottled with a yellow stripe along each side of the body. Coloring varies with
population density.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-135) Aspen Leafminer (Phyllocnistis populiella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
The larvae are sap-feeding leaf miners; their meandering mines on the under leaf
surface appear as small tracks. Forest trees are not seriously damaged.
The moths are silvery white and have a wingspan of about ¼ inch. The larvae are flat in
the early instars but become cylindrical when mature. They are white to light cream,
and when full-grown are less than ¼ inch long.
(12-136) Yellowheaded Spruce Sawfly (Pikonema alaskensis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White, black, blue, red, Engleman, Norway, and Sitka spruce
Successive complete defoliations cause mortality. Stand with closed crowns are not
attacked. Pupation occurs in the spring, and adults emerge about when the bud scales
fall from expanding buds. Eggs are deposited singly in the base of new needles.
Mature larvae are olive green above and lighter green below, with several darker stripes
of variable width along the back and sides. The head is yellowish-brown and may have
brown spots. When mature, the larvae migrate from the trees to the ground to
hibernate in cocoons spun in the soil.
(12-137) Tenlined June Beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, hemlock, spruce, grand fir, and Scotch pine
Adults feed on the foliage. On sandy grassy land in western Washington the larvae have
been know to kill 20 percent of trees in a Christmas tree plantation.
Adults are 25 to 35 mm long and the mature larvae range up to 50 mm.
Adult
(12-138) Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Japanese and Norway maple, horse chestnut, sycamore, gray birch, walnut, Lombardy
poplar, basswood, mountain ash, and American, English, and Chinese elms.
Feeds on the foliage, flowers, and fruits. Feeding is usually confined to young, tender
leaves. Damaged leaves may be skeletonized or they may also have large, irregular holes
chewed out. In heavily infested areas, the trees may be almost entirely defoliated.
The adult is broadly oval and nearly 12 mm long. The body is a bright, metallic green;
the legs, a darker green; and the elytra, a coppery brown. There are two small tufts of
white hairs just behind the wing covers and five patches of white hairs on each side. The
wing covers are shorter than the abdomen. Full-grown larvae are about 25 mm long,
typically grub shaped, and have two rows of spines on the underside of the last
abdominal segment.
(12-139) Larch Sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii)
Host:
Injury:
Western larch
Larvae feed heavily on foliage from late June through August and eat chunks out of
needles. They feed first on the edges of needles on elongating shoots, then later move to
needle clusters on older twigs. Epidemics seldom last more than 2 years and permanent
damage to trees is uncommon.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Larvae are hairless, have shiny heads with two single eyes, and have six or more pairs of
prolegs on their abdomens. Full-grown larvae are 5/8 to 1 inch long. Larvae are graygreen along the back and whitish beneath with shiny black heads. Younger sawfly larvae
often feed in clusters on needles.
Larva
(12-140) Mountain-Ash Sawfly (Pristiphora geniculata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Mountain ash
The early stage larvae skeletonize the leaves between the veins; as they develop, they
devour all but the midrib. This species feeds in colonies, usually eating all the leaves on
one small branch before moving to another branch.
The sawflies are stout and shiny black, and vary from 3/16 to 5/16 inch long. The males
are smaller than the females. The full-grown larvae are yellow, with numerous black
spots on the body segments, and are about ¾ inch long.
(12-141) Elm Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
All species of elm, but prefers the Siberian elm.
Adults chew holes in the leaves, particularly on new growth. The larvae feed on the
under surfaces of leaves, leaving upper surfaces and the veins intact. Leaves shrivel and
turn brown when damage is severe. When defoliation is severe for several consecutive
years, limbs and sometimes trees may be killed.
The larvae are green to yellow, with a black head and two black stripes on the back.
Pupae are about ¼ inch long and bright orange-yellow. The adults are approximately ¼
inch long and yellowish to green with a black stripe on each wing margin.
(12-142) Spear-Marked Black Moth (Rheumaptera hastata)
Host:
Injury:
Paper birch is preferred in Alaska, but larvae also feed on species of alder, willow, and
rose. In Canada, the insect also feeds on sweetgale
Larvae feed predominantly on the upper layers of leaf tissue. Early feeding is often
inconspicuous because the larvae feed within enclosures formed by leaf rollers or within
two leaves webbed together in a sandwich-type enclosure. Defoliation is evident by
early August when damaged leaves remaining on the tree begin to turn brown.
Residents of interior Alaska often think the browning is early development of fall leaf
coloration. Tree mortality has not been reported from past epidemics, primarily
because the epidemics collapsed after two growing seasons. However, radial and
terminal growth is substantially reduced, spring bud development is delayed 2 to 3
weeks on previously defoliated trees, and branch dieback is quite common.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Distribution
(12-143) Giant Silkworm Moth (Saturniidae)
Adult, eggs, larva, and pupae
This family contains some of the largest and most colorful moths in eastern United States. The larvae, also
large and conspicuous, are more or less armed with tubercles and spines. Because of their habit of spinning
large, dense silken coccons in which to pupate, they are known as giant silkworms. The larvae feed on a large
variety of trees and shrubs. They usually occur in low numbers.
(12-144) Redhumped Caterpillar (Schizura concinna)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Fruit trees, elm, quaking aspen, willow, hickory, black locust, dogwood, sweetgum,
persimmon, and paper birch
The larvae are gregarious. At first, they skeletonize the undersurfaces of the leaves.
Later, they devour entire leaves, except the midribs. During their feeding, the
completely defoliate one branch before moving on to another.
The adult is grayish brown and has a wingspread of about 30 mm. Full-grown larvae are
about 25 mm long. The head and a hump on the eighth abdominal segment are red. The
body is marked with black and yellowish lines. It bears a double row of short, stout,
black lines on top. When at rest, the larva holds the rear in an elevated position, and,
when handled, it gives off a pungent, disagreeable odor.
(12-146) Larch Looperprucemiothisa sexmaculata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larch
Feeds on the foliage
Full-grown larvae are about 15 mm long. The body is greenish or brownish, marked
with off-white.
(12-150) Spruce Needleminer (Taniva abolineana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce
Larvae feed inside a needle or needle sheath. Mined needles turn yellowish, dry, and fall
off twigs; entrance holes are usually visible, and the mined needles appear hollow when
held up to the light. Larvae mine needles in summer and attach them to a twig to form a
funnel-shaped web that becomes full of frass. Mortality rarely occurs.
Full-grown larvae, about 8 mm long, change to green pupae in gray cocoons in the nest
of dead needles from May to July.
(12-154) Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Evergreen ornamentals, especially arbovitae and juniper. Hardwood species include
maple, oak, dogwood, and willow
Bagworms consume the entire needle or leaf, leaving only the needle sheath or mid-rib.
They usually feed on one branch at a time. An indication of damage is the presence of
bags suspended from twigs and branches.
Bagworms are larvae and are rarely seen outside the bags they construct. The wingless
female moth is grub-like and remains inside this tough, silken bag her entire life. Males
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
are nimble fliers, and in the fall can be seen circling around infested trees in search of a
mate.
(12-155) Leafroller/Seed Moth (Tortricidae spp.)
Adults are similar to Olethreutidae, but lack the fringe of hairs on the underside of the hind wing. Larvae tend
to be foliage feeders, often as leaf rollers or tiers.
(12-156) Willow Defoliation (Tortricidae)
Members of this family eat the foliage of a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees of all sizes and ages.
The larvae either fold or roll individual leaves or parts of leaves or tie several leaves or shoots together
forming enclosures in which to rest and feed or from which they move out to feed. The adults are usually
small and have wide, oblong, fringed wings. The wing expanse is usually 25 mm or less and appear bell
shaped while folded. The larvae are usually some shade of green, seldom more than 25 mm long, and they
pupate in flimsy silken cocoons.
(12-157) Euonymus Caterpillar (Yponomeuta spp.)
Adults are moderately small moths with fore wings usually patterned in contrasting colors. Larvae are
variable in habits, frequently having web structures associated with foliage feeding habits or are miners or
borers.
(12-159) Larch Bud Moth (Zeiraphera improbana)
Host:
Injury:
Western larch, mainly in high altitude, overstory stands
Larvae consume needles and frequently gouge out one side of new shoots. Outbreaks
usually last one to two years with little permanent damage. Look for larvae in needle
clusters, needle tubes lined with silk or webbed needles from May through July. Larvae
drop to the ground by August and pupate in the duff. Moths fly in August, lay eggs, and
over-winter under lichens and in other niches on a tree.
Defoliation
Defoliation
(12-160) Pine Needle Sheathminer (Zelleria haimbachi)
Host:
Injury:
Larva
Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and most 2- and 3- needle pines
Larvae feed within the needle sheath in the spring, weaving silken webbing around
needle bases and causing the needles to droop and then die. Mined needles turn
yellowish, dry, and fall off twigs; entrance holes are usually visible, and the mined
needles appear hollow when held up to the light.
Defoliation
Defoliation
Defoliation
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Defoliation
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(12-162) Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela spp.)
This is a large family. A few species are important economically on forest trees. The larvae and adults of
most species feed upon leaves; the larvae of some feed on roots. The adults are small to medium sized,
compact, generally oval, often brightly colored, and variously marked beetles.
(12-164) Saddle-Backed Looper (Ectropis crepuscularis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western hemlock is preferred, other hosts are Douglas-fir, western red cedar, true firs,
spruce, alder, willow, and poplar
The larvae first feed on underground and understory. Later they move upward on the
trees.
Full-grown larva is about 35 mm long. The head is brownish, often mottled. The body is
mottled dark gray to brown, sometimes reddish. A pair of blunt tubercles tops the
eighth abdominal segment. The young larvae have a V shaped marking on the dorsal
side of the second abdominal segment.
(12-165) Leaf Roller (Epinotia solandriana)
Host:
Injury:
Trembling aspen, white birch, and various other hardwoods
Skeletonizes the leaves
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, true firs, and spruce
The larvae feed on foliage of all ages, but 1-year old foliage is preferred. Feeding is
heaviest in the upper crown.
The adults are mottled gray brown with a wingspread of 25 to 39 mm. The mature larva
is apple green with whitish and yellowish stripes and is 30 to 37 mm long.
(12-168) Green-Striped Looper (Melanoplophia imitata)
Description:
(12-174) Pine Looper (Phaeoura mexicanaria)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa pine
Larvae feed on old and new needles from late June until September. Needles are often
eaten down to the sheath. Trees of all sizes are attacked and mortality results if all the
foliage is stripped. Weakened trees are often attacked by bark beetles.
Adults are hairless, various shades of brown, and resemble pine twigs. They walk like
“inch worms.”
(12-176) (Zadiprion townsendi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa pine
This species is a potential pest of plantations. Larvae feed on old needles, sometimes
completely defoliating small trees.
Mature larvae are nearly black except for the whitish underside.
(12-177) Douglas-Fir Bud Moth (Zeiraphera hesperiana)
Host:
Description:
Douglas-fir
Adults are inconspicuous, mottled, and grayish to brownish moths, with a wingspread of
about 10 to 20 mm. Larvae are dirty white to pale yellow and up to 14 mm long, and
have dark brown heads.
(12-179) Phantom Hemlock Looper (Nepytia phantasmaria)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir and western hemlock are preferred, but it also attacks western redcedar,
Sitka spruce, true firs, and pines
Larvae feed first on the new foliage, then on the old
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Adults are generally white to very light gray with strong black markings and the vertex
of the head is yellowish. The mature larvae are 28 mm long; head green with black dots;
body smooth, lime green with dark-edged, yellowish subdorsal and spiracle lines.
Larva
Larva
(12-180) Tent Caterpillar (Malacossoma spp.)
Pupa
In the spring, their white silken tents often are conspicuous on trees. Clusters of hairy larvae are found
nearby or in the tents. During periods of abundance, larvae may strip the foliage from trees over wide areas
and wander in groves across open ground. Their feeding can result in reduced growth.
(12-188) Elm Sawfly(Cimbex americana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Elm, willow, and occasionally basswood, birch, maple, and spend
The leaves may be partially or wholly devoured, even the veins, by the larvae. The
adults sometimes chew the thin, tender bark of twigs, girdling and killing them and
causing noticeable crown injury.
The adult females range from ¾ to one onch long. Their robust bodies are steel blue
with oval yellow spots on each side. The semitransparent wings are smoky brown in
color. The wingspread is about two inches. The dorsal line on the pale yellowish-green
larvae is an excellent means of recognition. When at rest they coil up like snails, around
a twig.
(12-189) June Beetles/Leaf Chafers (Phyllophaga spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oak, birch, and aspen
Damage to seedlings and transplants, by the larvae, is the most important type of injury.
The adults also feed on the foliage. The heaviest damage occurs in spring when the
leaves are tender.
The robust beetles are ½ to 1 inch long and vary in color from light brown through dark
brown to brownish black. They have powerful biting jaws, which are used in cutting the
leaves. In a typical feeding position the legs on one side of the body are on the upper
surface of the leaf and those on the other side are on the lower surface, with the edge of
the leaf between the manibles.
CHEWING INSECTS (Category 13)
(13-001) Grasshopper
There are two families of grasshoppers, the short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae), and the long-horned
grasshoppers (Tettigonidae).
(13-002) Shorthorn Grasshoppers (Arcididae)
Ordinarily they are not very injurious to trees, but they may be seriously damaging during outbreaks. Young
trees are particularly vulnerable. Adults are distinguished by their short filiform, or three-jointed, clubbed,
antennae; short and inconspicuous ovipositors.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(13-005) Clearwinged Grasshopper (Camnula pellucida)
Description:
Adult is about 12 mm long. It is yellow to brown; the front wings are blotched with large
brown spots; and the hindwings are clear or pellucid
(13-006) Cicadas (Cicadidae)
Adults are stocky, heavy-bodied insects with large compound eyes and membranous wings, and some reach a
length of 50 mm. Cicadas often damage twigs so severely that their terminal portions die.
(13-007) Eurytomids (Eurytoma spp.)
Many members of this family form galls in the stems of plants; some are parasites of gall-forming insects; a
few are egg parasites; and others are parasites of various tree-infesting insects. Adults are usually black and
the abdomen is rounded or oval and somewhat compressed.
(13-008) Cutworms (Euxoa excellens)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Incense cedar, white fir, ponderosa pine, Jeffery pine, and sugar pine
It can kill large numbers of natural and nursery grown seedlings. Larvae feed in the
spring on the young seedlings, damaging the cotyledons and cutting off the stems.
Full-grown larvae are about 40 mm long and have a pale brown head and grayish white
body dotted with brown tubercles.
(13-010) Pales Weevil (Hylobius pales)
Host:
Injury:
Pine, spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, and cedar, and there are rare
instances of feeding on hardwoods
Adult weevils usually feed on the aboveground bark tissue of the stems of seedlings.
Feeding below the root collar also occurs, especially on planted seedlings that have
loosely packed roots. Bark is eaten down to the wood. When feeding is light, small (1/8
in), isolated patches of bark are removed. Whitish, crystallized resin forms over the
wounds, giving the seedling a sugary appearance. When feeding is heavy, large patches
of bark are removed. This may girdle and kill the seedling. If girdling occurs quickly, no
resin forms in the wound, and the stem wood appears dry and bare. When weevils are
numerous, the seedling will be completely stripped, leaving a bare, curled stem
surrounded at the base by a pile of detached needles. Feeding of the pitch-eating weevil
is similar to that of pales weevil.
On saplings and larger trees, feeding is restricted to the bark on twigs near the ends of
branches. The twigs may be girdled and when the needles die the branches have red
tips, or flags. This type of injury is common on trees growing in or around harvested
areas and on seedlings and saplings under bark beetle-killed trees. Sometimes feeding
on branch tips is so heavy that all buds are killed, resulting in the death of the tree. The
same type of feeding injury may occur in Christmas tree plantations. Pales weevil can be
a persistent problem in Christmas tree plantations where annual cropping of trees
continually provides breeding places for weevils, in other plantations, the attraction, and
the resultant problem, ceases within 1 or 2 years when the old stumps and root systems
have deteriorated.
Life stages: adult, egg, larva, pupa
Distribution
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Feeding damage
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(13-012) Periodical Cicada (Magicicada septendecim)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Primarily oaks, hickory, honey locust, dogwood, apple, and peach, but elm, ash,
sweetgum, sycamore, yellow poplar, walnut, and redbud may be affected
The female uses her saw like ovipositor to lay eggs in the bark of branches. The most
serious damage is found on young transplanted trees in nurseries and orchards.
Females lay eggs in pockets in the bark during April and May. When the eggs hatch,
nymphs fall and enter the ground, feeding on roots.
The adults are about 1½ inches long. The female is completely black on top, while the
male has four to five abdominal segments that are orange-brown on top. The nymph
cast skin may be used for identification.
(13-013) Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes)
Description:
Adult is about two mm long and reddish brown with a distinct patch of black on the neck
or collar.
(13-014) Valley Grasshopper (Pedaleonotus enigma)
Host:
Pine plantations and tree-breeding orchards
Host:
Injury:
Spruce, fir, and hemlock
Feeding of the larvae cause serious injury to seedlings and young transplants in
plantations and nurseries. The larvae feed on roots, weakening or killing small trees.
Larvae are whitish, C-shaped, and about 8 mm long when full grown. The adults do not
have functional wings and cannot fly. There are no males, reproduction occurs
asexually.
(13-015) Strawberry Root Weevil (Otiorhyhchus ovatus)
Description:
(13-020) Northern Pitch Twig Moth (Petrova albicapitana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Jack pine, Scotch pine, and lodgepole pine
Young pines from 1 to 5 feet tall are attacked. Smaller ones are not attacked and taller
ones are rarely injured. Larvae feed singly under masses of pitch, some of which may be
up to 1½ inch in diameter, generally at internodes or forks. As they develop, feeding
may be extended to almost the pith. When attacks occur at the base of a growing
terminal, the shoot may be girdled and killed, or the terminal may survive as a
weakened, crooked trunk.
The adult is reddish brown with grayish patches on the forewings, and has a wingspread
of 16 to 23 mm.
(13-021) Ponderosa Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia zozana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa, Jeffery, lodgepole, sugar, digger, and other pines
It is most damaging to open grown seedlings and saplings less than 6 feet tall. Repeated
heavy attacks retard growth.
Adults have a wing expanse of 20 mm. The forewings are irregularly banded gray and
white on the inner two-thirds and are brick red on the outer third. The hindwings are
grayish brown. The larvae are orange and attain a length of 12 to 15 mm. The pupae are
formed in tough, brownish cocoons usually fastened near the base of the tree.
(13-022) Pine Needle Weevil (Scythropus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Pines, especially ponderosa and lodgepole pine
Adults feed on needles during the spring and early summer and usually eat chunks out
of needle edges and may cause needle death.
O-41
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Adults are broad nosed and scale covered. They are a metallic blue-green, gold, brass, or
bronze colored and about 1/4th inch long. Weevils can infest shoots, roots, twigs, or
needles. Wood-chip cocoons are made in the phloem and pith of shoots.
(13-025) (Thrips madronii)
Host:
Madrone, California laurel, western dogwood
Host:
Description:
Ash seedlings
The adults are 2 to 9 mm long, and are usually fragile. The antennae and beak are each
four segmented, with the second segment of the beak longer than the head.
(13-026) Ash Plant Bug (Tropidosteptes amoenus)
(13-028) Pitch-Eating Weevil (Pachylobius picivorus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Newly planted pines, conifers, and all southern pines
Adult weevils feed on the tender bark of seedlings, twigs, or larger trees. Small, irregular
feeding patches in the bark are characteristic of weevil damage. Heavy feeding may
girdle the stem, causing wilting or death. Feeding below the root collar and on the roots
is common.
Adult weevils are oblong, robust, black to reddish brown, and about ½ inch long. The
wing covers have small, scattered patches of dark yellowish hairs.
SUCKING INSECTS (Category 14)
(14-001) Scale Insects
Host:
Injury:
Hardwoods and softwoods, especially in nursery stock, seed orchards, shade, and
ornamental trees
Trees with poor vigor or with branch and crown dieback should be examined closely for
scales. Scale feeding may cause some abnormal plant growth at the point of attack, such
as stunting of leaf or shoot growth, leaves turning yellow or red, and branch gouting.
Other symptoms to look for are early leaf drop, dieback, or “flagging” of newly formed
terminals, branch ends, and new leaves. Ring like swellings or pits in the bark cause a
rough appearance of branches. Heavy infestations will kill trees. Sooty mold and ants
frequenting a tree are good indications of scale infestations.
(14-002) Western Larch Woolly Aphid (Adelges oregonensis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western larch and spruce
On spruce, it causes small globular, cone shaped terminal galls; on larch, it feeds on the
twigs and needles.
It has five pairs of abdominal spiracles. The insects occur as white, cottony tufts on the
bark of the trunk, branches, twigs, needles, and cones.
(14-003) Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges piceae)
Host:
Injury:
True firs
This small, sucking insect feeds on stems, branches, or twigs. Nymphs feed on the bark
of all parts of the tree, injecting a chemical that causes abnormal cell division. This
causes galls or swellings at twig tips and dense, red wood (similar to compression wood)
on the stem. Stems of heavily attacked trees appear white because of the white, cottony
masses that surround the adults during summer months. All sizes of trees are attacked,
but infestations may be concentrated on the stems or in the crowns. Stem-attacked
trees may be killed after 2-3 years of heavy feeding.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Adults on tree trunk
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Stem swellings
(14-004) Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae)
Eggs
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western hemlock
Occur as white, cottony tufts on the bark and on the twigs among the needles.
It has five pairs of abdominal spiracles.
Host:
Injury:
Most species
Aphids have piercing mouth parts through which they feed on sap from nearly all parts
of host plants—foliage, buds, flowers, fruits, twigs, and roots. Aphids are small and softbodied.
The color ranges from almost colorless to green, yellow, or black. Most are wingless,
however winged adults may be observed in summer. Presence of sticky exudates and a
large number of ants probably indicate aphids are also present.
(14-006) Aphid (Aphididae spp.)
Description:
(14-008) Western Pine Spittlebug (Aphrophora permutata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pine, Douglas-fir, hemlock, spruce, and fir
Not a significant source of damage, but some feeding on needles does occur.
The adults are robust, mottled brown, heavily punctured, and about 10 mm long. Adults
jump and fly readily when disturbed. They are readily recognized by the spittle like
froth that surrounds the nymphs as they feed.
(14-010) Spittlebug (Cercopidae)
Nymphs and spittle
This family contains the spittlebugs. As a group, the adults are stout bodied, rarely over 12 mm long, oval, or
oval elongate, and dull colored. The nymphal or immature stages are spent in frothy masses of spittle on the
host plant.
(14-012) Pine Needle Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae)
Host:
Injury:
Lodgepole and ponderosa pine, occasionally spruce and Douglas-fir
Nymphs suck fluid from needles turning them yellow brown. Heavy populations can kill
trees after a few years. Scales may be seen on needles any time of the year. Scale
infestations are often associated with excessive road dust or other factors affecting tree
vigor.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Infested twig
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Scales are white, 1/8th inch long, elongate oval, and are yellow at the apex. Rusty brown
eggs are under the scales in the winter.
Affected tree
Crawlers
(14-014) Giant Conifer Aphids (Cinara spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult with parasite
emergence hole
Scales
Spruce and fir
They pierce the bark with their long feeding tubes and feed on sap from shoots, twigs,
branches, stems, and roots. Most species feed in groups and are usually attended by
ants, which feed on the droplets of excreted liquid.
Aphids vary in color from gray to brown or black and are less than 5 mm long. Eggs are
blackish and are laid singly or in rows on the needles.
(14-017) Spruce Aphid (Elatobium abietnum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce, sometimes pine and Douglas-fir
It feeds gregariously, sucking sap from the old needles. The lower and more shaded
portions of the crown are most subject to injury. On heavily infested trees, practically all
the old foliage fades slightly, then drops before the new needles begin to expand.
Adults are 1 to 1.5 mm long, olive green, and predominately wingless. The nymphs are
lighter green. It is rarely seen because of its small size and feeding habit.
(14-018) Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Elms, apple is the alternate host
Leaf curling is evident from early spring to midsummer. When growth begins in the
spring, the aphids that have hatched from the over-wintered eggs begin to feed on the
developing foliage, causing the affected leaves to curl. The resulting generations of
aphids are produced in these leaves. Although most of the leaf curl occurs in the spring,
it may also be noticeable during the summer due to activity of the later generations. The
woolly masses of the aphid are found on the branches and heavy attacks kill small
branches.
Aphids are purple and are clothed with a white woolly, waxy covering. There are
several generations annually.
(14-026) Lecanium Scale (Lecanium spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Maple, elm, hickory, walnut, butternut, and sycamore
Heavy scale populations secrete tremendous amounts of honeydew during the early
summer, and a sooty mold develops. The trees loose vigor and appear unhealthy. Small
branches may be killed.
(14-028) Oystershell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi)
Host:
Injury:
Deciduous trees, ash
Dead and dying branches and abnormally small or discolored leaves. Close examination
of the twigs reveals a flattened, elongated brownish bump that looks like a miniature
O-44
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
oyster shell. These female scales are about 1/8 inch long. Males, which have two wings,
antennae, and eyes, but no mouth, are rare.
The female lays eggs under her shell in autumn, and they hatch in late May. The
crawlers locate a favorable feeding site, insert their mouthparts and begin to feed. As
the insect grows, the shell covering increases in size so that the body is always
protected. The female loses her legs and eyes after molting and becomes a lump with a
mouth. Her body is filled with 20 to 100 eggs, which are laid in late autumn.
Description:
(14-029) Pinyon Needle Scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus)
Host:
Injury:
Single-leaf pinyon in southern Idaho, Utah and California, and foxtail pine in California
Repeated, heavy scale infestations leave the trees with only a few needles, clustered at
the tips of branches. Needle length is greatly reduced.
Scales look like small, black, bean-shaped, motionless objects on the needles of infested
trees. Full-grown immature scales are approximately 1.5 mm in length and 0.70 mm in
width and thickness.
Description:
(14-030) Ponderosa Pine Twig Scale (Matsucoccus bisetosus)
Host:
Ponderosa, Jeffery, lodgepole, digger, and Monterey pine in California, Oregon, and
Colorado
Feeds on twig axils, on twigs and branches, and on the trunks of trees of all ages.
Heavily infested trees are characterized by twig killing and by needles that are
short, pale, and reduced in numbers.
The adult females and winged males emerge early in the spring. The females settle
singly under bark scales, secrete wax, and lay eggs. The first instar larvae have legs.
Injury:
Description:
(14-035) Treehoppers (Membracidae)
Treehoppers are characterized by the prolongation of the pronotum backward and above the abdomen. The
hind legs are long and adapted for jumping, and the female’s ovipositor is long and saw-like.
(14-039) Black Pineleaf Scale (Nuculaspis californica)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine
Sustained heavy feeding for several years progressively weakens and can kill trees of all
sizes. Persistent infestations usually cause sparse short foliage on twig tips. Needles
turn blotchy, yellow-green, and may drop off. Sites on needles infested tend to become
spotted or blotched with yellow patches.
Scale coverings are gray to black. The insect and eggs under the scale are yellow.
Description:
Scales
Adults
(14-040) Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununquis)
Host:
Injury:
Adults
Hemlock, spruce, cedar, and occasionally pine
Heavily infested trees often have grayish to yellowish foliage, because the immature and
adult mites feed by rupturing cells and sucking their contents. This results in needles
with a characteristic mottled appearance. Extensive webs, which usually accompany
feeding, collect dirt and dust to add further to the gray appearance of the foliage. When
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
cool weather creates conditions favorable for population buildups, complete defoliation
can occur.
Adult mites are less than 1/25 inch long. They are translucent, but appear yellow, green,
orange, or red depending on the foods and wastes accumulated in their bodies.
(14-043) Maple Aphids (Periphyllus spp.)
These aphids feed on oaks. They are brown to green 2 to 3 mm long, and have abundant spine-like hairs.
(14-044) Spruce Bud Scale (Physokermes piceae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce, especially Norway spruce, and balsam fir
Heavily infested trees are weakened by the feeding, which cause needle loss, and a black
mold develops in the liquid excretion. This excretion draws bees and ants. Immature
individuals cluster around terminal buds, their feeding tubes inserted in the sap stream.
In early summer females are about 3 mm in diameter. Eggs are formed under the scale.
As they hatch, young crawlers move to the tips of the twigs where they feed until late
fall.
(14-046) Pine Leaf Adelgid (Pineus pinifoliae)
Host:
Description:
White pine, red and black spruce are alternate hosts, which are not adversely affected
Trees that survive heavy attacks are usually deformed. On spruce, the insects are tiny
and hidden under bud scales or within the galls. On white pine, they are more readily
seen. In June of odd-numbered years, the winged adults fly from spruce to white pine,
where they lay eggs on the old needles, then die. Wingless nymphs emerge from these
eggs, crawl to the axes of newly expanding shoots, insert their mouthparts and begin
feeding. The nymphs mature in May of even-numbered years, then fly back to spruce
trees where they lay eggs.
Because the adelgids stay in groups, they may attack only a few shoots of a white pine
tree. If there are too many insects on a shoot, they will starve because they cannot move
to another shoot.
(14-047) White Pine Adelgid (Pineus spp.)
Have four pairs of abdominal spines. They occur as white, cottony tufts on the bark of the trunk, branches,
twigs, needles, and cones.
(14-048) Pine Bark Adelgid (Pineus strobi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Prefers eastern white pine, but also attacks Scots and Australian pine
Mature white pines are seldom damaged. Needles turn yellow in younger trees; large
patches of white cottony material may cover the tree trunk and branches giving a
whitewashed appearance.
In the spring, females lay eggs that produce both winged and wingless females.
Wingless forms remain on the host tree and reproduce several times.
(14-049) Root Aphid (Prociphilus americanus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ash is the primary host, but also noble fir and Douglas-fir
The insects feed on the roots. They are usually attended by ants. They form false galls,
mostly on leaves, in which all forms live together.
All are covered with a white cottony wax.
(14-050) Mealybug (Pseudococcidae)
Members of this family have mealy or waxy secretions that cover their bodies. Females are elongate oval, and
have segmented bodies and well developed legs. Some species lay eggs, others give birth to live young.
O-46
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(14-051) Cottony Maple Scale (Pulvinaria innumerabilis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Silver maple is the preferred host, but other maples and hardwood species may be
attacked
The nymphs (crawlers) feed on the lower surface of the leaves and twigs. Large white
cottony masses, popcorn like in appearance, may be found in the spring on the twigs and
branches. The foliage is covered with honeydew and a sooty fungus. These attacks
cause yellowing and early foliage drop, and the death of the twigs. Heavy populations
may kill larger branches or an entire tree.
The adult females are elongate-oval, brown soft scales nearly 3/10 inch in length and
slightly less in width, with a conspicuous elongate white egg sac. The adult female
hibernates on the twigs. Egg masses are produced in the spring.
(14-052) Fir Mealybug (Puto cupressi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cypress, redwood, white fir, subalpine fir, whitebark pine, lodgepole pine, Monterey
pine, torrey pine, Englemann spruce, and Douglas-fir
It is most damaging to true firs. On heavily infested subalpine fir, the foliage becomes
stunted, sickly, and covered with a black mold. Tumor-like swellings develop on the
bole, branches, and twigs. Branches in the upper portion of the crown die first. Small
trees may be killed, and other reduced in growth.
Males have felt-like cocoons in infested twigs. The adult males are winged. Fluffy
masses of white waxy threads cover the females and the clusters of eggs. The adult
females are 3 to 5 mm long.
(14-061) Pine Tortoise Scale (Toumeyella parvicornis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
In Nebraska, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey the preferred hosts are Scotch pine
and jack pine. Austrian pine is also a common host, and red pine may be lightly attacked
when it is adjacent to or mixed with heavily infested jack pine. Chinese pine has been
attacked in Ohio. The form considered as near numismaticum is found on Virginia pine
in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, while Toumeyella pini has been reported
on mugho, lodgepole, Scotch, and cluster pines.
Heaviest damage occurs on seedlings and young saplings, although pole stands are
sometimes severely attacked. The injury causes noticeable branch mortality or death of
the entire tree. In a heavy infestation, a very large percentage of the trees may die in one
or two seasons of attack. In most heavily infested jack pine stands, however, a striking
characteristic is the presence of occasional trees that escape damage completely,
apparently because of an inherited immunity. The heavy secretion of honeydew by the
feeding immature females results in the development of a sooty mold and gives a
glistening, dark appearance to the foliage. Ants, attending the scales and feeding on the
honeydew, may be very numerous.
The females are wingless. In hibernation or in the immature stages, they are wrinkled
and dark brown to black. When mature, they are reddish brown, oval and convex, and
about one-fourth inch long. The males are fragile, winged, and about one-sixteenth inch
long. Pupa is the most obvious evidence of their presence; these are a translucent white
and usually clustered in large numbers on the twigs. The eggs are ellipsoidal, pinkish,
almost transparent and about one sixty-fourth inch long.
(14-063) Birch Aphid (Euceraphis betulae)
Host:
Injury:
Various birches, especially yellow birch
Suck the sap from leaves, stems, and roots.
Host:
Elms
(14-068) European Elm Scale (Gossyparia spuria)
O-47
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Heavy nymph populations result in foliage yellowing, and honeydew excreted by the
female scales to form a sooty mold. Premature leaf drop and death of twigs may follow.
Young trees may be killed, older trees may be weakened sufficiently to permit further
decadence and death by drought, bark beetle, and fungus attacks.
The reddish-brown oval-shaped adult female has a conspicious, waxy fringe along the
body margin. The young nymphs (crawlers) are bright yellow and very small.
BORING INSECTS (Category 15)
(15-002) Termite
Termites are a large and destructive group of insects, which feed upon cellulose. Often they mine so
extensively that only a paper-thin outer shell of wood remains. They commonly occur in felled wood, snags,
stumps, on sections of dead or decaying wood. Rarely do they injure or kill trees. They live in colonies in
wood or in the ground.
(15-003) Ponderosa Pine Bark Borer (Acanthocinus princeps)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa pine and other pines
Frequently found in pines killed by the western pine beetle. The larvae feed in the inner
bark of injured and recently killed pines.
The adults are 14 to 24 mm long, mottled in color and patterns that resemble bark. They
have very long antennae with tufts of hair at the lower joints. The larvae pupate in nest
like cells between the bark and the wood.
(15-004) Bronze Birch Borer (Argilus anxius)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larva
Paper birch, yellow birch, gray birch, western paper birch, water birch, and sweet birch.
The weeping birches are susceptible to severe damage.
Trees of low vigor and those weakened by drought or by exposure after logging are most
susceptible to attack. The damage is caused by the larvae feeding in the phloem and
xylem areas, thereby partially girdling the tree. The degree of injury depends on the
larval population and its distribution in the tree. Successful attack usually begins in the
crown of the tree in branches about three-fourths inch in diameter. From year to year,
the location of attack generally progresses downward into the bole. Removal of the bark
will show the borer galleries. Although eggs may be deposited in vigorous living trees,
the larvae do not complete development; the galleries are healed over, causing sear
tissue and ridges in the bark.
The slender adult is an olive-bronze beetle. A female is three-eighths to one-half inch
long and has a coppery-colored head; a male is slightly smaller and has a greenish head.
The larva has the wide second thoracic segment common to the flat-headed borers.
When mature it is pearly white and about 1½ inches long. The pupa in the first stage is
creamy white, as it develops, it gradually darkens until it assumes the adult color. The
creamy-white oval eggs are about 1.5 millimeters long and 1 millimeter wide.
Adult female
Mature larvae tunneling
O-48
Healed over galleries
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(15-006) Bronze Poplar Borer (Argilus liragus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Trees of low vigor are especially subject to successful attack. Galleries are typically
compact and horizontal. Attacks usually begin in the crowns and progress downward
into the bole, thereby causing death. Vigorous trees may withstand an attack, healing
over the galleries and killing the larvae.
The adults are about ½ inch long and olive-bronze. The larvae are pearly white, slender,
flattened, and about one inch long when full grown.
(15-007) Carpenter Bees (Apidae)
This is a large and diverse family of bees. The honeybee is occasionally pastured in fireweed on recent burns.
They do not damage the growing forest.
(15-008) Flatheaded Borer (Buprestidae)
This large family attacks trees. A few species attack and kill healthy trees, but most attack weakened, dead,
and recently felled trees. The larvae bore first in the cambium region of the trunk, branches, and roots, and
then penetrate the wood. The flattened oval wormholes usually are tightly packed with boring dust arranged
in ridges in patterns similar to the tip of a fingerprint. Adults are flattened, compact, often brightly colored
beetles with a metallic luster.
Larva
Larval galleries
(15-009) Golden Buprestid (Buprestis aurulenta)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult
Golden buprestid
Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir
The larvae mine in and around fire scars and mechanical injuries causing additional
defect. They feed on needles before laying eggs.
Eggs are laid in flat masses wedged in cracks in the wood. Newly hatched larvae have
numerous long hairs and the body ends in two sharp projections. The adults are
iridescent green or blue green with the margins of the elytra bordered with copper and
range from 12 to 20 mm long.
(15-010) Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)
These ants are found in the lower trunk of living trees or logs with unsound heartwood. Wood containing an
ant nest is honeycombed with many chambers. Although tunnels may initially be in unsound wood, they are
often extended into sound wood. The ants do not eat the wood but simply remove it to construct chambers.
(15-011) Gouty Pitch Midge (Cecidomyia piniinopis O.S.)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine; occasionally lodgepole pine
Attacks occur near branch tips in early summer. New shoots fade, droop, turn yellow,
and die. Repeated attacks, which do not kill the shoots, may twist and stunt branches.
Beneath the bark, small resinous pockets are formed by developing larvae. Trees 4-16
feet in height are most heavily infested. Small trees may be killed.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Damaged tree
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Damaged twig
Larvae
(15-012) Shootboring Sawflies (Cephidae)
The larvae of this family are borers in the tender shoots of trees. Adults are slender bodied and seldom more
than 18 mm long. The body is black or dark colored, occasionally marked with narrow yellow bands. The
antennae are filiform, with 20 to 30 segments, and are either spindle or club shaped.
(15-013) Roundheaded Borer (Cerambycidae)
Host:
Injury:
Most conifers, many hardwoods
Although some wood borers kill weakened trees, most attack trees that have been
recently killed by other agents, such as bark beetles, fire, etc. Local information may be
helpful in ascertaining if borers should be considered primary agents. Larval galleries of
some species start in the cambium and later move inwards to the sapwood and
heartwood; other species construct larval galleries entirely in the cambium. When
borers attack after bark beetles, the borer galleries may overrun and obscure the initial
bark beetle galleries.
Adults have very long antennae, and make round exit holes. Larval galleries are filled
with coarse, excelsior-like frass.
Description:
Adult
Adult
Larvae devouring phloem and
mountain pine beetle brood
(15-014) Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer (Chrysobothris femorata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oak, alder, poplar, and willow
Bores in the bark and outer wood of limbs, trunk, and roots of weakened, dying, and
dead trees
Adults medium sized, generally dull colored, rather flattened beetles with sculptured
wing covers that often are serrate along the outer edge at the rear
(15-017) Pitted Ambrosia Beetle (Corthylus punctatissimus)
Host:
Injury:
Maple, dogwood, American hornbeam, hop hornbeam, sassafras, rhododendron, and
azalea
The adult bores into the host near the ground line, then excavates a tunnel, which may
encircle the stem one, or more times girdling the tree. Small stems, from 3 to 10 mm in
diameter are usually attacked. Severe mortality of young sugar maples from 1 to 5 feet
tall had occurred.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
The adult is rather stout, cylindrical, dark brown or black, and about four mm long. The
antennae and legs are rusty red brown.
(15-018) Carpenterworm Beetle (Cossidae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Larvae make burrows in the trunks or large limbs of living trees
Adults have long spindle shaped bodies and lightly banded or spotted translucent wings
Host:
Injury:
Willow, poplar, alder, and birch
The larvae mine beneath the bark, then into the wood, making irregular generally
cylindrical tunnels that often riddle the wood and cause the stem to break. Wood
borings are expelled by larvae through holes in the stem.
The adult is chunky, rough surfaced weevil with a long, curved, shiny snout. It is about 8
mm long and predominately black except for the hind third of the elytra which is gray or
sometimes pinkish.
(15-019) Poplar and Willow Borer (Cryptorphynchus lapathi)
Description:
(15-020) Pine Reproduction Weevil (Cylindrocopturus eatoni)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa and Jeffery pines, occasionally sugar and digger pines
Damage is greatest in plantations with brush competition. Trees usually fade in the fall.
The foliage turns straw colored and progressively darkens to deep reddish brown.
Feeding punctures on the twigs and needles are evident upon close inspection. Larval
galleries meander between the wood and outer bark and do not originate from a central
gallery or chamber. Adult emergence holes in the bark resemble birdshot punctures.
Adults are about 3 mm long and densely covered with nearly circular scales. The larvae
are cream colored, legless, curled grubs, about four mm long when mature.
(15-021) Douglas-Fir Twig Weevil (Cylindrocpturus furnissi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, white fir, and Pacific silver fir
Attacks and kills small branches on open grown trees. Damage is greatest in drought
years and on dry sites. Heavy attacks deform trees and retard their growth. Damage is
mostly on trees 5 feet in height or less.
Adults are about 3 mm long and densely covered with nearly circular scales. The larvae
are cream colored, legless, curled grubs, about four mm long when mature.
Damaged shoot
(15-027) Ponderous Borer (Ergates spiculatus)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine; occasionally true firs and redwood
Larval mines in the heartwood of fire-killed Douglas-fir speed deterioration. Ponderosa
pine trees killed by the western pine beetle are often mined at the base. Borer
weakened snags fall more quickly than sound snag. The larvae excavate very large,
meandering galleries, first in the sapwood, then deep into the heartwood.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
The adults are 42 to 65 mm long. The elytra are uniformly reddish brown. The adults
lay eggs in the crevices of the bark of dead trees and stumps. Full-grown larvae are thick
bodied, 60 to 70 mm long, creamy white with a reddish brown head bearing four toothlike processes.
(15-029) Western Pine Shoot Borer (Eucosma sonomana)
Host:
Injury:
Ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine
Larvae feed within the pith of new terminal and lateral shoots from May until August.
Terminal shoots become thickened and have shorter needles that are bunched together
like a shaving brush; terminal shoot growth is usually reduced, but mortality is not
common. Other shoots can turn red and wilt. Infested lateral shoots often die. Exit
holes from the pith can be seen on the shoots in late summer. Repeated attacks reduce
tree height and may cause deformed crowns. This moth does not leave feeding scars,
webbing, or frass on the surface of infested shoots.
Damaged shoot
Damaged shoot
(15-030) Eucosma Species (Eucosma spp.)
Damaged shoot cross-section
Cross-section with larva
Adults are variously mottled in tones of orange-brown to gray with a pale background. Larvae of some
species are cone borer, their damage being similar to that of Dioryctria spp. In contrast to Dioryctria, the
larvae have a V-shaped structure on the head as opposed to Y-shaped, and is usually smaller, up to about 15
mm long. Pupae have transverse rows of short stout spines on the abdomen.
Exit holes on ponderosa pine
(15-034) Warren’s Collar Weevil (Hylobius warreni)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pine and spruce
Trees growing on wet ground or in deep layers of humus are most susceptible to attack.
Tunnels filled with pitch in the root collar region, with larvae feeding in the cambial or
inner bark region, are characteristic of attack by this weevil. Small trees are often
girdled and killed whereas feeding on larger trees permits the entrance of wood rots
into the wounds. As a result, the trees are susceptible to wind breakage.
Adults live two or more years and lay eggs each year. Since two years are required to
complete a life cycle, both larvae and adults can be found during the winter. The pupal
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
stage, which is short, occurs in June. The adults, who are flightless, have an extended
emergence period.
(15-035) Powderpost Beetle (Lyctidae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Bamboo and finished wood products
The larvae bore in the sapwood often reducing it to a flourlike powder, except for a thin
surface veneer.
Adults are flattened, slender, dark brown to nearly black beetles generally 3 to 6 mm
long. Mature larvae are yellowish white, somewhat curved and about 5 mm long.
(15-036) Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)
Host:
Description:
Forest nursery trees
Adults are 2 to 9 mm long, and are usually fragile. The antennae and beak are each four
segmented, with the second segment of the beak longer than the head.
(15-037) (Magdalis spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pines, especially ponderosa and lodgepole pine
They eat chunks out of needle edges or holes through needles during the spring and
early summer. Weevils can infest shoots, roots, twigs, or needles.
Adults are black and have prominent curved beaks.
Host:
Injury:
White pine
Young larvae bore through the bark and construct linear mines in the inner bark.
Host:
Black locust and varieties of Robinia. The honey locust is not affected. The borer is
found from eastern Canada south to the Gulf States and west to Washington, Colorado,
and Arizona.
Larvae tunnel into a tree’s trunk and branches, weakening the tree and making it
susceptible to wind breakage. The most obvious signs of severe borer attack are the
many dead and broken limbs and the knotty swellings on the trunks. Depending on the
season, symptoms of attack vary. In the early spring, at about the time of bud swell, wet
spots appear on the bark. These wet spots are the result of young larvae tunneling in the
inner bark. In late spring or early summer, white-colored wood dust can be seen on the
bark; the dust is pushed out of holes in the bark by the developing larvae, which are
boring into the sapwood. By late summer, the larvae burrow into the heartwood, and
the boring dust on the bark appears yellow. If the tree is heavily infested, the wood dust
may accumulate in a ring around the tree’s base.
(15-038) White Pine Bark Miner (Marmara fasciella)
(15-039) Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae)
Injury:
Larvae, Pupua, adult
Top breakage
Trunk damage
(15-040) California Flathead Borer (Melanophila californica)
Hosts:
Adult
Jeffery and ponderosa pine; occasionally sugar, coulter, digger, Monterey, and knobcone
pines
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Attacks pines growing on rocky slopes, in fringe type stands or where soil moisture is
low. It most frequently attacks old, decadent, or unhealthy trees. Adults feed on the
foliage.
Adults are 7 to 11 mm long, greenish bronze above, and brassy green below. Some have
yellow spots on each wing cover.
(15-041) Flathead Fir Borer (Melanophila drummondi)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, true fir, spruce, western hemlock, and western larch
Attacks injured, mistletoe infested, dying, fire killed, and recently felled trees.
Sometimes it attacks and kills apparently healthy trees on dry sites. The larvae bore in
the inner bark forming galleries packed with frass.
The adults are bronzy black and usually have three small yellow spots on each wing
cover.
(15-042) Whitespotted Sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Eastern white pine is preferred; occasionally jack pine, red pine, balsam fir, white
spruce, black spruce, red spruce and Tamarack
The adults feed on the needles and tender twig bark of various living conifers. The
larvae develop successfully in weakened or recently dead conifers, freshly cut pulpwood,
and saw logs. The larvae mine first in the surface, layers of the wood, then into the inner
layers. Their mines open the way for wood-destroying fungi resulting in discoloration of
the wood and the presence of soft, punky sap rot from the associated fungi. Feeding by
the adults on the under surface of twigs causes wounds up to 1 inch long. Death of the
twig beyond the wound often occurs if the twig is nearly girdled or if cold weather
arrives before the wound can heal. This condition, when on balsam fir, is called “red
branch.” Although these wounds and the resulting branch “flagging” may appear
numerous, they alone seldom kill the host. The danger lies in the possibility of several
species of pathogenic fungi entering the tree at these points of injury, and causing some
dieback or complete death.
The egg is white, elongate, cylindrical, and slightly flattened; with rounded ends. The
average size is nearly 3.0 mm. long by about 0.9 mm. wide. The young larva is dirty
white, somewhat flattened, and without legs. It has a light yellow thorax and an amberbrown head, armed with a pair of short stout mandibles. When fully grown, the larva
may be 1½ to 2 inches long and ¼ to 3/8 inch wide at the thorax. The pupa, ¾ to 1 inch
long, resembles the adult insect superficially. At first, it is white and soft like the larva;
and the mouthparts, legs, antennae, and wings, which project externally from the body,
are incompletely formed. The adult body is about ¾ to 1 inch long and 3/16 to ¼ inch
wide. The male’s antennae are twice body length, while those of the female are just
slightly longer than the body. Each sex has a small rounded white spot at the base of the
wing covers. Except for this spot, males are always completely shiny black. Females
may be colored exactly like males, or they may be mottled; the mottling is due to several
small white spots scattered over the wing covers. Both sexes have long, robust legs, a
spine on each. As the pupa ages, these appendages become more distinct. The long
antennae, coiled tightly against each side of the body, resemble watch springs when
completely formed. When the pupa has fully developed, it darkens and its outer side of
the prothorax and a pair of stout, strong mandibles emerges.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Full grown larvae
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Female and male adult beetles
(15-043) Redheaded Ash Borer (Neoclytus acuminutus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
a. Larval entrance hole; b. Adult
exit hole; c. Larval surface galleries
Ash, sometimes oak and hickory
Dying trees are attacked, as are logs stored in the woods or mill yards, especially if the
bark is left on the logs. The early stage borers feed for several weeks under the bark,
tunneling the surface of the wood. In the later stages, they make galleries in the
sapwood, especially in the outer layers, completely honeycombing the wood and packing
the galleries with granular frass. Generally, the adults emerge the following spring; but
when infested logs are sawed and the lumber allowed to season, development may be
retarded and the adults will emerge at irregular intervals over a period of years.
Borers are red-dish-brown slender beetles, varying from ¼ to ¾ inch in length. They
have yellow cross bands on the wing covers, but none on the thorax. The larvae are dull
white, rather hairy, and have minute thoracic legs. When full grown, they are ½ to ¾
inch long.
(15-045) Oberea Shoot Borers (Oberea spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Aspen
Longitudinal tunnels in the center of living twigs, usually less than ¾ inch in diameter, of
saplings, poles, and larger trees, and in stems and branches of suckers and seedlings.
“Push-out” holes are made, through which borings and frass are expelled, thereby
keeping the tunnels clean. Black, necrotic areas develop around these holes. Generally,
the twigs are not sufficiently weakened to allow wind breakage.
The adults are slender beetles; about 5.8 inch long, with yellowish or black wing covers
and four round black spots on the thorax. The full-grown larvae are about ¾ inch long,
yellow, and legless.
(15-048) (Pissodes dubius)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Noble fir in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
Larvae mine the inner bark. The adults pierce the bark or buds and feed. Attacks and
breeds in storm damaged 90-year-old noble fir and attacks nearby intermediate and
suppressed trees. Attacks are made in the root crown area.
This is the largest species in the genus. Adults are 7.5 to 10 mm long, and dork brown to
black in color. Adults are rough surfaced beetles, usually with spots and patches of
white, yellow, of brown scales on the elytra. The head is prolonged into a slender beak
or snout, which is used to puncture buds or tender bark for feeding.
(15-050) White Pine Weevil (Pissodes strobi)
Host:
Injury:
Eastern white pine, jack pine, and Norway spruce are severely attacked; foxtail pine,
Japanese pine, limber pine, western white pine, Scots pine are attacked; mugho pine,
Jeffrey pine, blue spruce, Douglas-fir, red spruce, white spruce are occasionally attacked;
and Austrian pine, table mountain pine, red pine, pitch pine, Himalayan blue pine, and
Jacks black spruce are rarely attacked
The first evidence of attack in spring is the tiny glistening droplet of resin exuding from
the feeding punctures made by the adults on the previous year’s growth, just below the
terminal buds. Two to three weeks later, eggs are laid in new punctures that do not
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
produce resin droplets. Feeding by larvae effectively girdles the stem, causing the new
shoot to wilt and the needles to turn reddish brown. The wilting is noticeable in June in
the southern part of the range and progressively later in the North and West. By the end
of the season, larval feeding may extend below one or more whorls of branches. In such
cases, all whorls above the larval feeding collar die. A successful attack always kills the
previous year’s growth, although three or even 4 years’ growth often is affected.
Circular holes, .10 to .12 inch in diameter, on an infested stem indicate that adults have
emerged.
Larvae
Adult
(15-051) Lodgepole Terminal Weevil (Pissodes terminalisi)
Host:
Injury:
Damage
Englemann spruce and lodgepole pine occasionally
They attack and kill or badly injure terminals on spruce and lodgepole pine
reproduction from 1 to 30 feet in height. Leader mortality results in deformity of the
main stem or the production of multiple leaders. Wood-chip cocoons are made in the
phloem and pith of shoots. Damaged shoots turn reddish and curl; exit holes are usually
visible.
Damaged shoot
(15-052) Ambrosia Beetles (Platypus spp.)
Host:
Injury:
True firs, spruce, Douglas-fir, hemlock, larch, and pines
Small-diameter (one-sixteenth inch or les) holes are bored straight into tree,
perpendicular to bole. Weakened, dying, or recently cut or killed trees are attacked.
Galleries within sapwood cause defect in logs. Some species extend galleries into the
heartwood, and freshly cut lumber may be attacked before it has dried. Entrance points
are marked by piles of fine, granular, white boring dust in bark crevices.
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Douglas-fir
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Stained entrance hole
(15-053) Cottonwood Borer (Plectrodera scalator)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Galleries
Cottonwood and willow
The adults may cause serious damage in cottonwood nurseries by feeding on the tender
shoots of young trees, causing them to shrivel and break off. The larvae bore into the
inner bark and wood at the root collar and tunnel downward into the roots. Light
brown, fibrous frass is sometimes ejected from bark openings at or slightly above the
ground line, accumulating in piles at the base of the tree. The root collar and roots of
infested trees may be riddled by larval tunnels.
Adult beetles are 1 to 1 ½ inches long and about ½ inch wide. They are black with lines
of cream-colored hair forming irregular black patches. Larvae are seldom seen.
(15-056) Ash Borer (Podesesia syringae fraxini)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Green, white, and European ashes
Tunneling in branches and trunks, young trees are more seriously injured than large
trees. The smaller branches break at the point of entry. Attack is usually made evident
by the appearance of rough, irregular scar like swellings on the trunks.
A clearwing moth with a wing expanse of about one inch. The forewings are an opaque
dark brown with a red crossbar; the hind wings are transparent. The full-grown
caterpillar is whitish, with a mahogany colored head, and is about ¾ inch long.
(15-057) Lilac Borer (Podosesia syringae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ash
Larvae bore into the main stem causing them to wilt, take on an unhealthy appearance,
or break.
Adult has a wingspread of 26 to 38 mm. Southern adults have the thorax and abdominal
segments two and three almost entirely chestnut red, only narrowly edged in black.
Northern ones have these parts mostly brown black with edgings of yellow or chestnut
red.
(15-058) Carpenterworm (Prionoxystus robiniae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Oaks, particularly red oaks, green ash, black locust, elm, maple willow, and cottonwood
Earliest signs of attack are sap spots on the trunk. Later, frass is ejected from the
entrance holes. Burrows 2 inches in diameter under the bark, and galleries ½ inch in
diameter and 5 to 8 inches long in the wood are typical. Galleries are open or loosely
plugged with frass. Holes in lumber are dark stained.
Newly hatched larvae are ¼ inch long and reddish pink. They gradually become
greenish white and are 2 to 3 inches long at maturity. Brown pupal skins protruding
from entrance holes are common in early summer. Adults are grayish, stout bodied
moths. The male hind wing has an orange spot.
(15-059) Maple Shoot Borers (Proterteras spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Boxelder, sugar maple in the northern Lake States
Destroys the dormant buds in the fall and spring, and tunnels in the current season’s
shoots. The shoots are killed and terminal growth prevented; forking and occasionally
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
twig breakage result. In heavy infestations, many of the twigs on a single tree will be
infested and the trees will become bushy.
The adults are small moths with a wingspread of 5/8 inch; they are white to pale brown.
The full-grown caterpillars are about ½ inch long, and are whitish yellow with a dark
brown head capsule.
(15-060) Western Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes hesperus)
Injury:
Description:
This termite often builds earthen like tubes over concrete foundations to get to wood
above but must retain contact through them to the ground.
Workers are grayish white and about 5 mm long when full-grown. The soldiers are of
similar color, somewhat longer, and have larger heads and mandibles that are more
prominent. The winged adults are slender, cylindrical, dark brown to black, and about 4
mm long, exclusive of the wings, which are translucent, and of equal length.
(15-063) European Pine Shoot Moth (Rhyacionia buoliana)
Host:
Young, plantations of red pine. Scotch pine and Austrian pine are not badly damaged.
Ponderosa pine planted in the East has been badly injured. White pine, jack pine, and
other pines are occasionally attacked when near infested plantings of red or Scotch
pines.
Although attacked trees rarely if ever die, their growth is inhibited and many are,
deformed. Summer and Winter-The newly hatched larva spin a minute, tent like web
coated with resin and debris in the current year’s growth between a needle sheath and
the stem. The larva then bores through the needle sheath and mines the base of the
needle. Needles damaged often turn yellow or brown by late summer. As the larva
grows, it moves to a bud for feeding, forms another tent there, and coats it with resin
and debris. The fresh resin on tents may make them glisten on bright days. Later, the
resin becomes the solidified, yellowish-white mass characteristic of shoot moth
infestations in late summer and during the winter. Spring-The larva spins still another,
but larger, tent upon emerging in the spring after over wintering either in the bud or
under a mass of pitch on the bud. The spring tent is spun between the bud to be fed
upon and one or more nearby buds or needle sheaths. It also is coated with resin and
debris. In early spring, it may glisten in the sunlight and thereby be conspicuous. The
resin solidifies by late spring, forming a yellowish-white mass. Other evidences of shoot
moth infestation are mined buds, which may remain on the tree for years.
Severe infestation inhibits height growth and causes deformations. In red pine, many
trees in time overgrow damage dating from the juvenile period. When the terminal and
lateral buds on a tip are killed, a dead spike top may result. Adventious buds often
develop from the shoot below this point, forming a dense growth or bush the following
season. Sometimes when the terminal bud is killed, several lateral buds develop into
competing leaders, resulting a forked stem. When a new shoot is not killed but is
weakened to a point where it falls over, yet continues to grow, a crook or posthorn
develops. Larval feeding on only one side of a bud can also lead to crook formation.
Injury:
Adult
Entrance holes
Damaged shoots
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Distribution
Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(15-064) Western Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia bushnelli)
Host:
Adults moths have a wingspread of 10 to 15 mm. The head, body, and appendages are
covered with gray scales, except the forewings, which are mottled yellowish gray and
reddish brown. The larvae are yellowish with black heads and when fully grown are 9 to
12 mm long.
(15-065) Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia frustrana)
Host:
Nearly all species of native and exotic pines that grow in the eastern half of the United
States. The only exceptions are longleaf and eastern white pine. Slash pine, although
occasionally attacked, is quite resistant. In California, most hard pine species have been
found to be suitable hosts. Certain pine species are preferred in different parts of the
United States. In the South and Southeast, the favored hosts are loblolly and shortleaf
pine. Pitch, Virginia, and Scotch pine appear to be favored in New England and the
Middle Atlantic States. Shortleaf pine is favored in the Central States. In California, the
favored host is Monterey pine. Pine species that have multinodal growth in a single
season are especially favorable hosts because when shoots are killed by tip moth larvae
the tree responds by producing new succulent shoots from the base of the dead shoot.
Early feeding is indicated by a small, delicate web constructed by early instar larvae.
This web is found in the axil formed by the developing needle and the stem. Later, a
more prominent indication of infestation is webbing at the shoot tips, accumulated resin,
and fecal material within this webbing. Soon, tips of infested shoots die and turn brown,
becoming quite noticeable from a distance. First indications of attack of conelets are the
presence of boring frass on the conelet surface and the appearance of dead conelets.
The moth injures the growing shoots of young pines. The larva bores into, feeds on
inner tissues of the buds, and shoots. Such feeding severs the conductive tissue and
causes death of the shoot. Shoot injury occurs primarily in the first 5 years and
decreases as the tree reaches about 10 feet in height and the crown closes. In severe and
prolonged infestations, trees less than 3 feet tall may be killed by larvae, but usually the
loss or retardation of height growth and deformation of the main stem results. In some
areas, every shoot may be killed, and little or no height added to the trees. If tree vigor is
poor, deformities such as stem crooks and forks may also develop. In seed orchards and
seed production areas, cone and seed production may be reduced by destruction of
shoots containing embryonic flower buds and by direct feeding of larvae on pine
conelets. Shortleaf pine is particularly susceptible to conelet injury.
Injury:
Moth
Distribution
Pupae
(15-066) Lodgepole Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia montana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Dead conelet
Lodgepole pine in Montana
Attacks young ponderosa pine. It is most damaging to open grown seedlings and
saplings less than 6 feet tall. Repeated heavy attacks retard growth and predispose trees
to attacks by other insects.
Adults have a wingspread of 20 mm. The forewings are irregularly banded gray and
white on the inner two-thirds and are brick red on the outer third. The hind wings are
grayish brown. The larvae are orange and attain a length of 12 to 15 mm.
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(15-067) Southwestern Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia neomexicana)
Host:
Injury:
Pines, especially ponderosa pine
In spring and early summer, larvae mine into buds and under the bark of new shoots but
rarely enter the pith. Both lateral and terminal shoots are attacked. Larvae initially
mine needles then bore into the shoot. They cover shoots with matted frass, dead
needles, and webbing. Infested shoots are shortened and turn yellow, then turn brown.
Small trees fewer than six to eight feet are most susceptible. Repeated attacks cause
slow growth, crooks, forks, multiple stems, and spike tops.
Moth
Distribution
(15-068) Poplar Borer (Saperda calcarata)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Tree deformity
Eggs on a pine needle
Aspen
The attack is characterized by swollen scars and holes in the trunk and larger branches.
“Push-out” holes are made by the feeding larvae through which frass is expelled and sap
exudes. The wet areas around these holes are blackened, appearing as if varnished. The
borer requires three years to develop, mining deep in the heartwood during this period.
Heavily infested trees break at points weakened by this tunneling.
The adult beetles are about one inch long, grayish black, and densely clothed with gray
and yellow fine soft hairs; they have yellowish stripes on the thorax and orange-yellow
markings on the wing covers. The larvae are creamy white, legless, and about ¼ inch
long when full grown.
(15-070) Saperda Shoot Borer (Saperda spp.)
This family contains about a dozen species, predominantly eastern. All attack broad-leaved trees. Most of
them bore in the stems and branches of living trees, some causing galls. Others bore in dying and recently
dead trees. The adults feed upon leaves and tender bark of the host.
(15-071) Clearwing Moths (Sesiidae)
The clearwing moths are a well-defined family of moderate size. Species in several genera bore in the roots,
trunks, and branches of trees. The adults often resemble bees or wasps. They have narrow interlocking
wings that usually are transparent and unscale in part, especially the hind pair. The larvae are naked and
ivory white, except for brownish markings on the thorax.
(15-073) Roundheaded Fir Borer (Tetropium abietis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
White fir, grand fir, and other true firs from Washington to California
This insect will kill weakened trees, but it is not reported as becoming epidemic.
The adult is a typical roundheaded borer, and uniformly brown.
Host:
Western larch, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock are principle hosts; spruce, pine, and
fir are also recorded hosts
Drought weakened, insect defoliated, and fire-scorched trees are attacked and
sometimes killed
(15-074) Western Larch Borer (Tetropium velutinum)
Injury:
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(15-075) Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western red cedar is the principle host; other hosts are species of juniper, cedar, and
incense cedar
Larval mines cause degrade and cull. The adults feed on the foliage. Larvae bore from
the branches into the bole where they mine principally in the heartwood.
The adult is 11 to 17 mm long, bright emerald green with a golden sheen, and has
several darker spots on the wing covers.
(15-076) Douglas-Fir Pitch Moth (Vespamima novaroensis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, Englemann spruce, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine
Larvae bore the cambium region causing masses of pitch to form and often seriously
damaging young trees. The pitch masses contribute to the fire hazard. Attacks are
commonly made around injuries and at junctions of limbs and bole. Repeated attacks
are common and result in the greatest damage.
Adults are black with an orange-banded abdomen. Mature larvae are 25 to 30 mm long.
(15-077) Sequoia Pitch Moth (Vespamima sequoia)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Lodgepole and ponderosa pines
Larvae bore beneath bark in phloem and outer layers of wood causing masses of pitch to
form around entrance holes. Repeated attacks can girdle and kill young, small-diameter
pines or cause them to break. Attack sites are usually near root collar or just above.
Pitch masses containing larvae are soft, whitish, and have some reddish boring dust
mixed in. These masses may be found in wounds and at junctions of limbs and bole.
Adults are black with a yellow-banded abdomen. Mature larvae are 25 to 30 mm long.
(15-083) Cottonwood Twig Borer (Gypsonoma haimbachiana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cottonwood and other poplars
Stunting, forks, crooks, and other malformations. Larvae bore into the terminals and
branch ends. They frequently kill the bud and up to 10 inches of the terminal. Often the
old dead terminal remains intact on the tree for several months after the larvae have
emerged. A stunted, deformed, limby tree is a good indication of this insect.
The adult is ash gray and has a wingspread of ½ to 7/10 inch. The basal portion of the
forewing is darker than the apical. Full-grown larvae are pale, with a brown-yellow
head. They are from 2/5 to ½ inch long.
(15-084) Southern Pine Sawyer (Monochamus titilator)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pine logs or pine snags
The first signs of attack are funnel shaped pits or egg niches in the bark. Remocal of the
bark from infested wood will reveal coarse, excelsior like wood shavings, and sculptured
wood. Elliptical shaped holes tightly packed with frass indicate the larvae have bored
into the sapwood to construct the pupal cell. Round, pencil-shaped holes in the wood
are exit holes
Adult beetles are mottled gray and brown from 1 to 1 ¼ inches in length and have
antennae, which are 2 to 3 inches long. Full-grown larvae are legless and whitish yellow
in color and up to 2 2/5 inches long.
(15-085) Banded Ash Borer (Neoclytus capraea)
Host:
Injury:
Ash, oak, and hickory
Dying trees are attacked, but the greatest damage is to logs left in the woods. The early
stage boreres feed for several weeks under the bark, tunneling the surface of the wood.
In the later stages, they make galleris in the sapwood, especiall y the outer layers,
completely honeycombing the wood and packing the galleries with ganular frass.
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Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Adults are dark brown beetles, about ½ inch long, with yellowish white, irregularly
shaped cross bands on the thorax and wingcovers. The larvae are sull white, rather
hairy, and have minute thoracic legs. When full-grown they are ½ to ¾ inch long.
SEED/CONE/FLOWER/FRUIT INSECTS (Category 16)
(16-001) Douglas-Fir Cone Moth (Barbara colfaxiana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Adult
Douglas-fir and true firs
Caterpillars mine through the scales and seeds, making a tortuous resinous tunnel and
an opening at the surface through which resin and larval castings exude.
Yellowish white caterpillar. Pupae over winter near the axis of the cone in a papery,
resin-coated cocoon among the resin matted scales. Adults are gray moths with a
wingspread of 15 to 20 mm and with speckled forewings.
Egg
First-instar larva
(16-002) Lodgepole Cone Moth (Conophthorus contortae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larva in cone
Lodgepole pine in Oregon and Washington
The pinecones wither, die, and either drop to the ground or remain attached to the tree.
The cones have a riddled, powdery interior and small, round exit holes. Adults bore into
the base or supporting stem of the immature cone and deposit eggs. The grubs feed on
the scales, seeds, and tissue of the withering cone.
Adults are reddish brown to black, shiny beetles 2 to 4 mm long. Larvae found within
the dead cone are small, white, legless grubs.
(16-003) Limber Pine Cone Beetle (Conophthorus flexis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Limber pine
The pinecones wither, die, and either drop to the ground or remain attached to the tree.
The cones have a riddled, powdery interior and small, round exit holes. Adults bore into
the base or supporting stem of the immature cone and deposit eggs. The grubs feed on
the scales, seeds, and tissue of the withering cone.
Adults are reddish brown to black, shiny beetles 2 to 4 mm long. Larvae found within
the dead cone are small, white, legless grubs.
(16-004) Mountain Pine Cone Beetle (Conophthorus monticolae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western white pine
The pinecones wither, die, and either drop to the ground or remain attached to the tree.
The cones have a riddled, powdery interior and small, round exit holes. Adults bore into
the base or supporting stem of the immature cone and deposit eggs. The grubs feed on
the scales, seeds, and tissue of the withering cone.
Adults are reddish brown to black, shiny beetles 2 to 4 mm long. Larvae found within
the dead cone are small, white, legless grubs.
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(16-005) Pine Cone Beetle (Conophthorus ponderosae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Western white pine, ponderosa pine
The pinecones wither, die, and either drop to the ground or remain attached to the tree.
The cones have a riddled, powdery interior and small, round exit holes. Adults bore into
the base or supporting stem of the immature cone and deposit eggs. The grubs feed on
the scales, seeds, and tissue of the withering cone.
Adults are reddish brown to black, shiny beetles 2 to 4 mm long. Larvae found within
the dead cone are small, white, legless grubs.
(16-010) Douglas-Fir Cone Midge (Contarina oregonessis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir
Larvae form galls in cone scales, usually near or adjacent to seeds. A gall may be formed
by a single larva but, usually, there are several in each infested scale. Seeds may be
fused to the scale when only a few larvae are present or completely destroyed when
numbers are large. In severe infestations, there may be hundreds of larvae in a single
cone, in which case all seeds are destroyed, and scales die and turn red in July or August.
Adults are 3 to 4 mm long; egg smooth, shiny white, oblong; fully developed larvae are
pink to orange, about 2.8 mm long, with distinctly notched spatula; pupa orange in early
stages but later turns dark, encased in oblong delicate cocoon.
Douglas-fir cone
Cross-sections of Douglas-fir cones
(16-011) Cone Scale Midge (Contarina washingtonensis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Larvae in scales
Douglas-fir
Larvae feed in cone scales, forming longitudinal mines beneath the surface of the scale
under the seed wing, but they do not cause direct damage to seeds. They do not form
galls. When cones are severely infested, cone scales die and turn red in late July or
August. There is no external evidence of damage on cones that are lightly infested.
Adults are 3 to 4 mm long; egg smooth, shiny white, oblong; fully developed larvae are
pink to orange (deeper orange than C. oregonensis), about 2.8 mm long, with distinctly
notched spatula; pupa orange in early stages but later turns dark, encased in oblong
delicate cocoon.
(16-012) Pecan (Curculio spp.)
Injury:
Description:
Attack acorns, fruits, and nuts. The female deposits eggs in the nut. The larvae feed on
the nutmeat until full grown, and then they cut exit holes through the shell.
Adults are light tan to brown, or red and reddish brown to black; they are densely
clothed with hairs, and range from 4.2 to 13 mm long. The beak is long and slender, and
the body is scaled on the upper surface.
(16-015) Fir Coneworms (Dioryctria abietivorella)
Host:
Douglas-fir; balsam, California red, grand, subalpine, and white firs; eastern white, jack,
lodgepole, ponderosa, red, Scotch and Swiss mountain pines; black and white spruce;
infrequently western larch, limber and western white pines, blue and red spruces
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Region 1 Field Guide Appendices
Injury:
Description:
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Larvae mine and riddle the cones. Conspicuous frass and webbing are deposited on the
cone surfaces. Twigs, graft unions of Douglas-fir and, occasionally, the cambium of
young tree trunks may be infested.
Adults are gray and white with a wingspan about 25 mm; fore wings smooth, blended
dark and light gray with diffuse flecking; hind wings unmarked, pale gray; mature larvae
about 18 mm long with deep amber-brown head and thoracic shield, amber-brown body
with faint dark dorsal lines and broad pair of subdorsal stripes.
Frass on cone
Larva
(16-017) Pine Cone Worm (Dioryctria auranticella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cone cross-section
Knobcone and ponderosa pines
One or more round holes, 4 to 7 mm in diameter, lead from the surface to large irregular
cavities within a cone. The cavities are partly filled with reddish brown fecal pellets and
webbing. The larvae sever many cone scales from the axis; these shrivel and turn
brown. Undamaged portions of the cone may continue to grow, but the affected cones
are usually badly distorted and do not open to release surviving seed.
Adult has orange-brown fore wings with white cross bands; wingspan ranges from 22 to
34 mm, mature larvae blackish to light-gray body; thorax darker than abdomen, may
have reddish to purplish tinge, about 26 mm long.
(16-019) Ponderosa Twig Moth (Dioryctria ponderosae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa, Scotch, Austrian, jack, Norway, and red pines
Most trees attacked are under 8 inches in diameter, and the bole and tops are frequently
girdled by the larval tunnels. The first evidence of attack appears in the spring in the
form of a small quantity of larval castings on the bark surface, followed by an exudation
of pitch from the entrance holes. The larvae feed in the cambial region and construct
irregularly shaped galleries beneath the bark.
The adults are blackish gray moths with a wing expanse of 27 to 30 mm. There are two
narrow W-shaped bands extending across each forewing; the hindwings are dusky
white. Mature larvae are about 25 mm long, usually light brown, occasionally with a
greenish tinge, and the bodies marked with about six rows of small, dark-brown dots, or
tubercles.
(16-020) (Dioryctria pseudotsugella)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir; may occur on firs
The larva feed in cones and mines in cambium. It has been taken from graft unions of
Douglas-fir, where it may cause damage to grafted stock in seed orchards.
The adult wingspan is 20 to 24 mm, and resembles the spruce cone worm, but ground
color is paler and transverse lines much less strongly contrasting.
(16-021) Dioryctria Moths (Dioryctria spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir, true firs, and most western pines
Cone damage is internal, but holes and often frass are apparent on the cone surface.
These insects also infest shoots, and galls.
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(16-022) Cone Borers (Eucosma spp.)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir, true firs, and most western pines
Larvae feed within cones on scales and seeds. External damage ranges from small,
misshapen cones to cones marked only with an entrance hole surrounded by frass and
pitch. Larvae may tunnel throughout the cone or may nearly hollow it out. Some species
are solitary feeders. Some species may have several larvae per cone.
(16-023) Seed Chalcid (Eurytomidae)
Typically, the adults are shining black, heavily punctured, humpbacked in profile, and sharply tapered to the
rear. The larvae are legless, white, and tapered to both ends. They attack many kinds of plants. Some occur
in galls caused by other insects.
(16-025) Cone Maggot (Hylemya anthracina)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Mountain hemlock; black, Englemann, Sitka and white spruces; possible western larch
and tamarack
The larvae are a vigorous feeder, constructing a spiral-feeding tunnel around the cone
axis, causing considerable damage to scales and seeds. Single larvae may destroy more
than half of the seeds in one cone.
Adults are small black flies, about 6 mm long; in general appearance resembles a house
fly.
(16-027) Ponderosa Pine Seed Worm/Moth (Laspeyresia piperana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Jeffery and ponderosa pines
They leave no external evidence of damage. However, when infested cones are bisected,
damage to seeds can be readily observed; throughout the larval feeding period, the
insects migrate from one seed to another, devouring the contents and leaving frass. Seed
pairs on the same scales may become fused by silk-lined tunnels. After seed maturity,
the fully developed larvae tunnel from the seeds into the cone axis.
Adult wingspan 10 to 20 mm; fore wings usually metallic gray with distinct silver
crossbars or bands; rather flattened eggs laid in small overlapping masses; larvae 10 to
15 mm long when mature, white to cream colored; pupae 6 to 10 mm long.
(16-028) Spruce Seed Moth (Laspeyresia youngana)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Black, blue, Englemann, red, Sitka, and white spruces
They leave no external evidence of damage. However, when infested cones are bisected,
damage to seeds can be readily observed; throughout the larval feeding period, the
insects migrate from one seed to another, devouring the contents and leaving frass. Seed
pairs on the same scales may become fused by silk-lined tunnels. After seed maturity,
the fully developed larvae tunnel from the seeds into the cone axis.
Adult wingspan 10 to 20 mm; fore wings usually metallic gray with distinct silver
crossbars or bands; rather flattened eggs laid in small overlapping masses; larvae 10 to
15 mm long when mature, white to cream colored; pupae 6 to 10 mm long.
(16-029) Boxelder Bug (Leptocoris trivittatus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Boxelder, bigleaf maple, and ash
It will eat the seeds, but it is not considered a major pest.
Adult is about 12 mm long and brownish black with narrow red lines on the upper
surface. The abdomen under the wings is bright red.
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
(16-031) Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Douglas-fir, grand fir; incense cedar, Jeffery, knobcone, lodgepole, Monterey, ponderosa,
and western white pines
insect pierces cone scales and feeds upon developing seeds. Entire contents of seed may
be removed. Cones may develop normally, but produce no viable seed.
Adults are robust, elongate, 15 to 18 mm long, 4 to 6 mm wide, with long legs and
antennae; body surface reddish to dark gray with dense whitish pubescence; fore wing
marked by distinctive narrow zigzag white line.
Cones
Adult
(16-033) (Megastigmus lasiocarpae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Pacific silver and subalpine firs
The contents of the seed are consumed by the larvae
Adults are black and yellow and occur in Colorado and Washington
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Englemann spruce, white spruce, blue spruce, and Sitka spruce
The contents of the seed are completely consumed by the larvae
Adults are yellowish brown, 6 to 6.5 mm long, with clear wings; female has a black
ovipositor, 4.5 mm long; males slightly smaller than females
(16-034) Spruce Seed Chalcid (Megastigmus piceae)
(16-035) Ponderosa Pine Seed Chalcid (Megastigmus albifrons)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Ponderosa pine
The contents of the seed are completely consumed by the larvae
Adults are yellowish brown, 6 to 6.5 mm long, with clear wings; female has a black
ovipositor, 4.5 mm long; males slightly smaller than females.
(16-036) Fir Seed Chalcid (Megastigmus pinus)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Bristlecone, grand, noble, Pacific silver, Shasta red, subalpine, and white firs
Each larva consumes the contents of a single seed, leaving no external evidence of
damage. Infested seeds are about the same weight as normal seeds. A clean round hole
is cut in the seed coat by the emerging adult.
Adults are black with yellow markings, female about 5.1 mm long.
(16-037) Douglas-Fir Seed Chalcid (Megastigmus spermotrophs)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Big cone Douglas-fir, Douglas-fir
Infested seeds are identical to normal seeds in color and size and show no external
evidence of damage. A clean round hole is cut in the seed coat by the emerging adult.
Adults are 3.4 mm long, body yellow, reddish eyes.
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Adult on cone
Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
Larvae in seeds
Larvae in seed
(16-040) Roundheaded Cone Borer (Paratimia conicola)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Exit holes in seeds
Knobcone pine, lodgepole pine
Larvae bore through the woody axis and scales of the cones and cause damage to the
seeds. They also work in the dry limbs.
Adults are slender, cylindrical, rusty brown beetles 8 to 13 mm long
(16-042) Coneworm (Phycitidae)
These are moderate sized, drab colored moths. Their mouthparts are somewhat snout like. In the caterpillar
stage, they bore into the cambium of the trunk, branches, and shoots, or into the fresh green cones. They can
girdle and deform young trees. The species that attack cones are among the most damaging insect pests of
forest tree seeds.
(16-043) Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.)
They feed principally upon seeds. They nest in the ground and clear the vegetation from the surrounding
area. Their clearings reduce the capacity of the range to support stock and wildlife. The workers are red,
conspicuously sculptured, medium sized, pugnacious ants with a painful sting.
(16-048) Coneworm (Hylemia spp.)
These are medium sized, grayish or brownish flies. The larvae are white and compressed and have two large
hooks at the head end. They bore thorughthe cones and destroy the seeds.
(16-049) Prairie Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma lutescens)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Cherry
Defoliation of branches, under outbreak conditions, of entire trees. Tents are spun in the
cranch forks during May and June; they are used chiefly as resting places, and the
caterpillars move out to feed on the nearby foliage.
The moths are dull reddish brown with a wingspread of 1½ to 2 inches. The forewings
have two nearly parallel oblique white bars. The full-grown caterpillars are 2 inches
long, brown, with a row of eliptical blue spots down the center and two orange spots on
each segment. The sides have pale orange lines and spots.
GALLMAKER INSECTS (Category 17)
(17-003) Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi)
Host:
Injury:
Spruce and Douglas-fir
Cone-like galls, 12-75 mm long, are formed on spruce branch tips. In late spring galls
are light green to purplish and nymphs may be found inside. In late summer and fall
galls dry up and open and nymphs emerge. Galls may persist on branches for many
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Appendix O: Region 1 Insect Descriptions
years. On Douglas-firs the insect feeds on the sap of the new needles, new shoots, and
developing cones. Feeding on Douglas-fir does not cause galls to from, but rather
yellowing and twisting of needles. Heavy infestations on poor sites can cause
defoliation.
Nymphs are oval and black with a white waxy fringe. Adults are dark brown and
covered with white, woolly wax.
Description:
Gall
Gall
Infested Douglas-fir needles
(17-006) Gall Midge (Cecidomyiidae)
This family is represented by a large number of species. The small larvae vary from reddish pink to yellow or
orange. They are usually present in large numbers. They are not vigorous feeders, but may cause significant
indirect damage by forming galls, which fuse seeds to scales, or robbing seeds of nutrients. The adults are
tiny, fragile, and not readily identifiable without special preparation.
(17-007) Douglas-Fir Needle Gall Midge (Contarinia pseudotsugae)
Host:
Injury:
Douglas-fir
The yellowish larvae feed on the needles, usually several per needle. Heavy infestations cause
much of the foliage to drop and sometimes kill twigs. It develops in the new needles.
(17-008) Gall Mite (Eriophyidae)
These mites are tiny, elongate, four-legged, translucent creatures that average 0.2 mm in length. The legs are
far forward and the abdomen had many narrow transverse rings. They feed on leaves, buds, stems, flowers,
and fruit. Many cause galls.
(17-009) Spruce Gall Midge (Mayetiola piceae)
Host:
Injury:
Description:
Spruce
Severe injury is unusual. Galls are formed in shoots.
The two-winged, reddish brown midge emerges from the galls formed the previous year
in late May, and lays eggs on the new shoots. Upon hatching, the larvae bore into the
shoot and form cells. The gall is formed by the swelling of the tissue about the larvae
cells. Larvae are orange and about 1.5 mm long.
(17-013) Gall Aphid (Phylloxeridae)
Many members of the family have complex life cycles. The most commonly observed form of the insect is a
minute, sac-like body covered with dense woolly wax. Winged adults may occur, usually in conjunction with
sexual reproduction or dispersal between alternate host plants.
(17-014) Alder Gall Mite (Phytoptus laevis)
Host:
Injury:
Alder
Causes beadlike galls on the leaves
(17-015) Psyllid (Psyllidae)
Adults resemble cicadas, but are the size of aphids. They have stout legs for jumping and tough bodies. The
nymphs are flat with large wing pads. They are plant feeders, and some cause leaf galls.
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(17-019) Spider Mites (Oligonychus spp.)
They feed on hardwoods and softwoods. It thrives under hot, dry conditions.
INSECT PREDATORS (Category 18)
(18-001) Lacewing
Adults are usually bright green and about 15 to 20 mm long to the wingtips. They have gauze like wings and
golden eyes. It is a major predator of the balsam woolly aphid. Aphids and other small soft-bodied insects
are the prey.
(18-002) Blackbellied Clerid (Enoclerus lecontei)
It preys upon Dendroctonus, Ips, Scolytus, and others. In California, it preys upon the western pine beetle.
The adults prey upon bark beetle adults, and the larvae feed upon bark beetle larvae and pupae. Adults are 6
to 8 mm long, black with gray markings on the elytra, the most prominent being a broad band at the rear. The
larvae are pink, turning purplish near maturity at which time they are 9 to 14 mm long.
(18-003) Redbellied Clerid (Enoclerus sphegeus)
It preys upon Dendroctonus, Ips, Scolytus, and others. In California, it preys upon the western pine beetle.
The adults prey upon bark beetle adults, and the larvae feed upon bark beetle larvae and pupae. The adult is
hairy, blackish with a metallic luster except for the red abdomen, 8.5 to 12 mm long, and has a distinctive
wide gray band across the middle of the elytra. The larvae are pink, turning purplish near maturity.
A checkered beetle eating a mountain pine beetle adult
(18-004) (Formica rufus)
These ants build large nesting mounds of pine needles, twigs, and other debris. They bite viciously,
but do not damage trees. They feed principally on honeydew and other insects.
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