Insect species associated with Eastern Hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Environs
Buck L, Lambdin P, Paulsen D, Grant J, Saxton A. 2005. Insect species associated with Eastern Hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Environs. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science. 80((3-4)):60-69
Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.), Carr is an integral part of forested systems in eastern North America now threatened by invasions of exotic pests. Due to the threat of exotic pests, information on the species associated with eastern hemlocks was collected to compile a species listing. The insect fauna associated with eastern hemlock was assessed at four sites representing new and old growth trees and ten alternate sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and adjacent areas in eastern Tennessee. Sites were sampled using malaise/pan traps, pitfall traps and direct collection. Species diversity was assessed using the Shannon index and species richness estimates were made using the program estimates. The rich insect fauna of eastern hemlocks yielded 2,832 specimens representing 292 species in 101 families and ten orders. Species richness and abundance were highest at Chimney Tops old growth site with 107 species and 801 specimens. Species richness estimators projected between 415 and 550 species associated with eastern hemlock. Several pests of eastern hemlock, including the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand), elongate hemlock scale, Fiorinia externa Ferris, hemlock scale, Ahgrallaspis ithacae (Ferris), and hemlock looper, Lamhdina fiscellaria (Guenee), as well as natural enemies of these pests, were collected.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Buck, L.; Lambdin, P.; Paulsen, D.; Grant, J.; Saxton, A.
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Adelgid, GRSM-00172, Hemlock Eastern, pests insect, scale, Tsuga canadensis