It is found in North America[1][2][3] and parts of Mexico.

[4] It is known as a destructive pest of ponderosa and Coulter pine trees.

[5] When drought makes these pines more susceptible to infestations by D. brevicomis, there is an increased risk of forest fires due to dead trees.

[6] Adult D. brevicomis are brown or black beetles 3–5 mm in length.

Females carve lengthy egg galleries in the wood, damaging the trees.