I received a sample of a dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica') that had all of the new tips brown. Upon closer inspection, I could see that there was a small hole at the base and the tips had been hollowed out. There are not any of the pest insects still in the sample, or I would rear one out to see the adult.

These will have to be very small insects to feed on the inside of the twig. I can find no match for this in any of my references or on the internet. So I am going to the ultimate authority - the GardenWeb. Any ideas???

--Bob