Bark beetle

Sunday 7th March 2021

Yesterday we went for a long walk over to Crowthorne and round Horseshoe Lake. About 22km altogether - we are working up to our 3 Peaks walk which we plan to do in early June. Saw this lovely bark beetle marking in a fallen tree. The mother beetle lays her eggs in the central tunnel and then the grubs tunnel out sideways and pupate at the end of the tunnels turning into beetles themselves. You will quite often see a lot close together - they make an amazing pattern - but not good for the tree I am afraid! See Oliver Rackham's book 'The Illustrated History of the Countryside' for everything you need to know.

Good news I have my vaccination booked for Monday 15th March - looking forward to it!