Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is the most destructive forest pest in pine forests of southeastern United States. D. frontalis infestations (patches of dead and dying pine trees) are non-contigous within forest landscape. Dispersal of D. frontalis is limited and guided by host volatiles and pheromones. Infestations are often initiated by lightning and their success may depend on stand and host tree characteristics as well as local beetle population density. D. frontalis infestations (3 or more dead trees) were mapped for two forests in Alabama during years 1994-1998 (450 infestations) and 1998-2000 (700 infestations). We search for spatial patterns in infestations within any given year in relation to stand characteristics. We test whether next year's infestations are spatially dependent on the previous year's infestations and influenced by control efforts. Better knowledge of spatial patterns in bark beetle infestations may enhance understanding of population dynamics and help to direct monitoring and control efforts toward areas of high infestation risk.
Species 1: Coleoptera Scolytidae Dendroctonus frontalis (southern pine beetle)
Keywords: population ecology, Pinus
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