Bark Beetles

Abstract

AbstractBark beetles often feed on dead or dying plant tissues, serving as primary decomposers. However, some bark beetle species kill healthy trees, although at the time of attack, these healthy trees are often experiencing stressful conditions, such as drought or lightning strikes. Populations of tree-killing bark beetles can increase in size to a level where they can overcome the resistance of healthy trees and cause mass destruction of forests resulting in tremendous economic and ecological damage. This chapter introduces the reader to bark beetle natural history, diversity, evolution and management. Natural history is organized by feeding ecology, mating strategies, and intra– and interspecific interactions. Evolution and diversity of bark beetles includes discussion of phylogeny, timing of evolutionary events and an annotated and illustrated list of bark beetle genera important to forest entomologists. Management and control covers efforts to reduce losses to bark beetle destruction of forests and plant products. Finally, we present case studies, including outbreak events, which have resulted in vast economic and ecological loss.