Which pest is commonly known to affect forests?

The bark beetle is a significant pest in forest ecosystems, known for its destructive impact on trees. These beetles often infest coniferous species, leading to the weakening and eventual mortality of affected trees. Their associations with various fungi can also exacerbate the damage, as these fungi may disrupt the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Bark beetles are particularly notorious for causing large-scale tree die-offs, creating long-term changes in forest structure and health.

In contrast, while aphids and caterpillars can affect individual trees or certain plants, they do not typically have the same level of widespread impact on forest health that bark beetles do. Locusts are primarily associated with grasslands and agricultural areas, and though they can cause severe damage in those environments, they are not a significant threat to forested areas specifically. The unique biology and behavior of bark beetles make them a species of major concern within forest management and pest control strategies.