In the past, outbreaks of the eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex) were naturally contained to a few years in length because extended periods of cold winter temperatures slowed the beetle’s growth cycles and kept populations from exploding. However, the most recent outbreak of eastern larch beetle, currently concentrated in northern Minnesota, is going into its 18th year, and researchers have found that at least some eastern larch beetles are able to reach maturity without requiring an overwintering period. (Photo credit: Steven Valley, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org)