Bark beetles are small insects that belong to the family Scolytidae. They typically live under the bark of trees, where they feed on the inner layers of wood. These beetles can be harmful to forests, as they often infest weakened or stressed trees, leading to tree death and significant ecological impacts. There are many species of bark beetles, including the Mountain Pine Beetle and the Southern Pine Beetle. They play a role in forest ecosystems by helping to decompose dead trees, but when populations grow too large, they can cause widespread damage to forests and timber resources.