Ambrosia Beetles (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Ambrosia beetles were studied by the research team. The large one is a female, the smaller one a male. As an aside, these beetles mate within individual families only, brothers with sisters. The males are small, flightless and die soon after mating. Credit Jiri Hulcr, Michigan State University Usage Restrictions With credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.