Name the vector of Dutch elm disease.

The vector of Dutch elm disease is the European elm bark beetle. This beetle plays a crucial role in the spread of the disease, as it carries the fungus responsible for the illness from infected trees to healthy ones. When the European elm bark beetle feeds on the bark of elm trees, it creates pathways in which spores of the fungus can enter the tree's vascular system. This leads to the blockage of water and nutrient transport within the tree, ultimately resulting in wilting and death. Understanding the role of this specific beetle is essential for effective management and control strategies aimed at combating the spread of Dutch elm disease, which has had devastating effects on elm populations across many regions.