<p><span class="taxon"><em>Dendroctonus ponderosae</em></span> is black and cylindrical and, on average, 5 mm long. The gradual curve of the hind wing of the adult <span class="taxon"><em>D. ponderosae</em></span> distinguishes it from other bark beetles that normally have sharp spines along the hind wing.<span> ("Mountain pine beetle", 2009; Leatherman, Mehall, and Aguayo, 2007)</span></p>  <p>Mountain pine beetle eggs are normally white, while the larvae typically have white bodies and brown heads. The larvae are also legless, as they remain under the bark of the <span class="taxon">Pinus</span> trees for the duration of their development and have no need for legs.<span> ("Mountain pine beetle", 2009)</span></p>  <p><strong>Other Physical Features: </strong>Ectothermic; Heterothermic; Bilateral symmetry</p><p><strong>Sexual Dimorphism: </strong>Sexes alike</p>