Nearest neighbor analyses were conducted on infestations of Dendroctonus pseudotsugae populations in the western US. United States Forest Service annual aerial detection survey maps were used in conjunction with geographic information systems to spatially analyze D. pseudotsugae infestations. Four years of data were analyzed, spanning a period from endemic to epidemic D. pseudotsugae population levels. Nearest neighbor estimates between pairs of years were determined for each combination (1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999). Mean nearest neighbor estimates for the three periods were 1915.6 m, 396.9 m, and 410.8 m respectively. During the endemic period of analysis, 56% of infestations occurred within 1000 m of previous year infestations. However, during epidemic periods 85% to 88% of infestations occurred within 1000 m. Understanding the spatial patterns of D. pseudotsugae infestations from one year to another could enhance management options for this bark beetle species.
Species 1: Coleoptera Scolytidae Dendroctonus pseudotsugae (Douglas-fir beetle)
Keywords: spatial statistics, Scolytidae
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