Within- Tree Population Parameters of Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Nylon Mesh-Enclosed Pinus echinata

Abstract

Within-tree populations of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann were examined in shortleaf pines, Pinus echinata (Mill.), with nylon mesh tents enclosing the portion of the bole where beetles were released. The distribution of the beetle population within the trees differed slightly from the distribution of beetles in naturally infested trees. However, the density, within-stage survival, and adult replacement rate were similar to measurements of these parameters in naturally infested trees. Also, the relationship between egg niche density and total parent gallery length was examined and found to be similar to previous reports. The tents protected the beetles from competing species; survivorship from egg to adult (33.5%) was high. It was concluded that the tents offer a reliable approach to examining the interactions between D. frontalis and its host pines. Possible uses of the tents for further studies on population dynamics and interspecific interactions are discussed.