Which of the following beetles is known for tunneling deeply into wood covered with bark?

The ambrosia beetle is recognized for its unique behavior of tunneling deeply into wood that is still covered with bark. This beetle is part of a family of wood-boring beetles and is particularly known for its association with fungi, which it cultivates in the tunnels it carves out. The ambrosia beetle tunnels can often be found in living trees and freshly cut wood, where it creates a habitat not just for itself but also for the fungal growth which serves as a food source.

This behavior distinguishes the ambrosia beetle from other types of wood-boring insects. For instance, while the old house borer and round-headed borer may also affect wood, they do not specifically tunnel in bark-covered wood in the same manner as the ambrosia beetle. The lyctid beetle, on the other hand, primarily infests seasoned hardwood, making its behavior less relevant to the question about tunneling into bark-covered wood. The behavior of the ambrosia beetle directly impacts forestry and horticulture, making it critical for pest management professionals to understand its habits and the damage it can cause.