Spatial distribution of a flying ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus (Coleoptera: Platypodidae) at the stand level

Abstract

The within stand spatial distribution of flying Platypus quercivorus adults was quantified by sampling populations with four types of sticky screen traps. The greatest numbers of adults were captured in long traps located at lower positions (0.5–2.5 m height) both at the forest edge and in the forest interior. The numbers of adults captured in square screens hanging from anchored balloons were also greatest at a height of 1 m. Lower numbers were captured in square screens located at the top of the forest canopy and in square screens located above the canopy. Many adults were captured under the forest canopy near the forest edge, but only small numbers were captured inside gaps. We conclude that adult P. quercivorus is generally associated with the forest edge, a trait shared by several other bark and ambrosia beetles.