Dendroctonus rufipennis is a species of bark beetle that is commonly known as the spruce beetle. Other synonyms for this species include the western spruce beetle, the mountain pine beetle, and the Dendroctonus monticolae. These beetles are known for their devastating impact on spruce and pine trees, as their larvae burrow into the bark and disrupt the tree's nutrient and water transport system, ultimately leading to the tree's death. The dendroctonus rufipennis is native to North America and is considered an important component of the forest ecosystem, albeit one that requires careful management to prevent excessive devastation.