European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.)

Abstract

The European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), widespread across Eurasia, is a major pest of coniferous forests in Europe, primarily attacking Norway spruce (Picea abies). High beetle populations can result in significant damage, especially following environmental stressors like storms. Although there has been no classical biological control program against I. typographus due to its non-invasive nature in other continents, the potential introduction of this beetle into new areas like North America could necessitate such measures. Natural enemies in Europe include numerous parasitoids, predators and pathogens. Notably, the parasitoid Tomicobia seitneri shows high specificity and parasitism rates (20-100%) and is a prime candidate for biological control. Other potential candidates include the braconid Coeloides bostrichorum and the clerid beetle Thanasimus formicarius, though the latter's broad prey range limits its suitability for classical biological control. Pathogens like Ips typographus entomopoxvirus also show some specificity but require further study regarding their impact on beetle mortality.