Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The spruce budworm is a destructive insect that feeds on the buds and needles of spruce and fir trees. It can cause significant defoliation, leading to tree mortality and impacting forest ecosystems.
Related terms
Defoliation: The process of losing leaves or needles from a plant due to natural causes (like seasonal changes) or external factors (such as insect infestations).
Forest succession: The gradual change in species composition and structure of a forest ecosystem over time.
Outbreak dynamics: The patterns and factors influencing population fluctuations of pests, such as cyclic outbreaks followed by periods of decline.