The use of mark–recapture to evaluate a pheromone-based mass trapping program for ambrosia beetles in a sawmill

Abstract

Trypodendronlineatum (Olivier) and Gnathotrichussulcatus (LeConte) beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) were marked with fluorescent powder and released in a sawmill area during a pheromone-based mass trapping program for ambrosia beetles. Trapping efficiency was estimated at 5.9% for T. lineatum and 5.5% for G. sulcatus. This technique had good potential for obtaining information on trapping efficiency, population size, and beetle dispersal patterns. Suggestions are given for improving the accuracy of the information obtained and for additional uses of mark-recapture in evaluating and optimizing mass trapping programs for ambrosia beetles.