A hidden chemical war is unfolding inside spruce trees

Spruce bark beetles don’t just tolerate their host tree’s chemical defenses—they actively reshape them into stronger antifungal protections. These stolen defenses help shield the beetles from infection, but one fungus has evolved a way to neutralize them. By detoxifying the beetles’ chemical armor, the fungus can successfully invade and kill its host. The discovery sheds light on an unseen forest arms race and may improve biological pest control.