LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The mountain pine beetle epidemic that swept through the area a few years ago has left its mark, with thousands of acres of trees dead and dying across southeast Wyoming.

The beetle's population has declined locally, but scientists are continuing to study the tiny insect in preparation for the next epidemic.

A University of Wyoming graduate student is hoping to shed light on the beetle's natural predators while also improving the methods used to study the beetle.

"The bark beetle and its natural enemies spend most of their life cycle under the bark of trees," said Larry Ha...