Distinguishing Immatures of Insect Associates of Southern Pine Bark Beetles

Southern Pine Beetle Handbook

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Cooperative State Research Service, Southern Pine Beetle Handbook, Agriculture Handbook No. 641. October 1985.

Introduction

Recent intensive research on southern pine bark beetles has emphasized the need to identify both beetle pests and their insect associates. These associates include both beneficial insects, i.e., parasites and predators, as well as those that co-inhabit the inner bark of beetle-infested trees. Extensive insect reference collections of bark beetle associates are not readily available, and researchers, students, and technicians have little written material available to help with their identification. An aid to identifying primarily adult insect associates of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (SPB), was published in 1980 (Goyer et al.) The present handbook was developed as a companion guide to assist in identifying the immature stages of insects associated with SPB, Ips spp. (pine engraver beetles), and D. terebrans (Olivier) (the black turpentine beetle).

In reviewing existing literature and surveying entomologists working in bark beetle research, we found that very few species are commonly recognized in their immature stages. Thus, we selected those species or groups that are most frequently encountered in investigations of the dynamics of pine bark beetle populations. A compilation of the known or suspected role(s) of several common insect associates is also provided to assist researches. This listing represents a synopsis of several works, especially that of Moser et. al. (1971), coupled with our own observations and findings. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, and specific host-prey relationships are not presented.

This guide includes photographs, drawings, and scanning electron micrographs, plus anatomical notes useful in separating the immatures of insects commonly encountered in association with southern pine bark beetles. Emphasis is placed on separating specimens into families. Peterson (1951) and Kline and Rudinsky (1964) also are helpful in separating families of some immatures. For the most part, family determinations should be sufficient in determining the biological role of most insects covered herein, since there are few representatives of each family found under pine bark and, generally, those species share similar feeding habits. Some prior knowledge of entomology is necessary.

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