Phenology and community structure of woodwasps in southeastern pine forests

Native siricids or woodwasps are ecologically important components of subcortical insect communities in pine forests of the southeastern U.S. During 2009-2011, we determined the community structure and phenology patterns of native siricids in Georgia (Piedmont region), Louisiana (Coastal region), and Virginia (Appalachian region). We created trap-trees using pine trees in each state, and left the trees in the forest for about a year to be colonized by siricids and their hymenopteran parasitoids. Logs were then retrieved and all emerged insects collected. Over 3,000 woodwasps and their parasitoids emerged from the trap-trees. Males emerged sooner than females. Siricids appeared to emerge from mid-September to mid-December, whereas the parasitoids emerged a little later.