Influence of pine bark beetles on the West Gulf Coastal Plain

Clarke, Stephen; Evans, Robert; Billings, Ronald

The southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis), the black turpentine beetle (D. terebrans) and teh three species of Ips beetles (Ips avulsus, I. grandicollos and I. calligraphus), compose the guild of pine bark beetles in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Spatial, temporal and host resource partitioning among these species is summarized. Historically, the members of the bark beetle guild acted as disturbance agents, working in concert with fire to maintain a vegetation mosaic heavily dominated by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) or shortleaf pine (P. echinata) woodlands and forests. These forest types were relatively resistant to large infestations of southern pine beetle (SPB). This study proposes that mortality caused by the other guild members was more prevalent for long periods of time, and that human alteration of forests in terms of species compostion and structure has created conditions conductive for SPB outbreaks. The anthropogenic increase in the frequency and magnitude of SPB outbreaks has masked the historical and current roles of the other guild members. Finally a duscussion is presented as to how interactions between the guild members can potentially affect their population cycles.

Influence of pine bark beetles on the West Gulf Coastal Plain

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