The goal of this work was to gain a better understanding of the biology of the invasive pest Xyleborus glabratus, the redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB). The development of RAB in the field was monitored by attaching emergence traps over individual beetle galleries on mature redbay (Persea borbonia). Galleries were active throughout the year and could potentially be active for greater than one year and produce over 100 adults. Fine mesh screen was used to protect lower boles of mature redbay trees from RAB attack, but RAB were found to attack at heights greater than 10m so this was ineffective to protect trees from laurel wilt. RAB were reared on semi-artificial diet in vitro and success rates were achieved similar to those achieved in the field. The ability of the laurel wilt pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola, to grow on various wood species was tested and found to be variable depending on species.