Tree-Killing Worm, Please Make Your Way To The Boarding Gate

Meet the microscopic worm that can kill forests. It’s called the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and though each one is barely a millimetre long, they can collectively bring down a towering pine tree.

Once it gets into a tree, the nematode spreads through the trunk, branches, and roots. It feeds on the cells lining the pine’s resin canals, causing resin to leak into other vessels that carry water around the tree. Cut off from their water supply, the pine’s needles turn yellow and brown. The change is dramatic. Within just a few months, the tree wilts and dies. This pine wilt disease has claimed millions of pines, especially in Europe and East Asia, causing huge problems for ecosystems

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet