The genus Hylastes Erichson occurs throughout the continent of North America from Alaska and Central America and from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. This publication is concerned with the forms found north of Mexico. Coniferous forests in every region of the United States contain one or several species of Hylastes. Most of the species of the genus favor the pines as hosts, but some spruces are also attacked, as well as Douglas fir and to a less extent the true firs.

This report is one of a series from the consumer purchases study presenting facts concerning income and consumption patterns of farm families dealing with spending on clothing. The following five regions were covered: New England, Middle Atlantic and North Central, Plains and Mount, Pacific, and Southeast. Another report presents data on clothing expenditures of families in small cities and villages.

The species of Pseudohylesinus, so far as now known, range from Alaska to Panama, and in the United States are confined to the western forests. In these forests the several species of true firs (Abies) most commonly serve as hosts for this genus of beetles.