Canadian Forest Service Publications
Kairomonal responses of natural enemies and associates of the southern Ips (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to Ipsdienol, Ipsenol, and Cis-Verbenol. 2013. Allison, J.D.; McKenney, J.L.; Miller, D.R.; Gimmel, M.L. Journal of Insect Behaviour. 26:321-335.
Year: 2013
Issued by: Great Lakes Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 34097
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Available from the Journal's Web site. †
DOI: 10.1007/s10905-012-9349-1
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Abstract
Bark beetle infested pines are an ephemeral habitat utilized by a diverse assemblage of insects. Although many bark beetle insect associates have little or no measurable impact on bark beetle brood production, some reduce brood production by either competing with brood for the limited phloem tissue or by feeding on brood. Several studies have observed synchrony between the colonization of hosts by barkbeetles and the arrival of insect associates. Some insect associates mediate synchrony with bark beetle mass attacks with kairomonal responses to bark beetle aggregation pheromones. The objectives of this study were to document the community of Coleoptera associated with the southern Ips (Ips avulsus, Ips calligraphus and Ips grandicollis) and to test the hypothesis that synchrony of insect associates with the southern Ips is mediated by kairomonal responses to aggregation pheromones. A large community of Coleoptera (109 species) was recorded from traps baited with southern Ips pheromones. A significant treatment effect was observed for the guilds of meristem feeders, natural enemies and woodborers. The southern Ips pheromone ipsenol was broadly attractive to meristem feeders, natural enemies and woodborers and in general blends were more attractive than individual compounds. These results demonstrate that a diverse community of Coleoptera is associated with the southern Ips and that several members of this community facilitate synchrony with kairomonal responses to southem Ips aggregation pheromones.
Plain Language Summary
Bark beetles commonly infest species of southern pines. The infested trees become temporary habitat for a wide variety of insects. Some of these insects can influence the population dynamics of bark beetles by feeding on them or competing with them for available food. This study documented 109 species of beetles associated with three species of southern pine bark beetles of the Ips genus using traps baited with southern Ips aggregation pheromones. The study showed that the arrival of some of the associated insects is facilitated by exploitation of the aggregation pheromones of the southern pine bark beetles. This research was conducted while scientist J.D. Allison was associated with the Department of Entomology at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.