Contributions to the knowledge on biology and phenology of Cryphalus piceae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

ABSTRACT

The small fir bark beetle (Cryphalus piceae) was discovered in Denmark in 2012. Since then, several local outbreaks in greenery plantations have occurred, with numerous dead Noble firs (Abies procera) reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the life cycle and behavioral patterns of C. piceae in Denmark, compared with a literature review of the general life cycle. Currently, C. piceae has been recorded from 24 plantations spread across Denmark. Experimental results confirm the possibility of two complete generations a year plus pertaining sister generation. Cryphalus piceae is generally considered a secondary bark beetle, and in Denmark it was mainly associated with Heterobasidion infected trees. However, its ability to overwinter in living healthy trees makes it a potential vector of unwanted diseases and therefore preventive control methods could be desired. Based on the life cycle, a yearly sanitary cutting in either mid-May or mid-June is recommended, as a control method against C. piceae in monocultures. In Danish greenery plantations, preventive measures against Heterobasidion were evaluated as the most important factor to avoid dead A. procera and the pertaining high populations of C. piceae.

KEYWORDS:

• Cryphalus piceae
• small fir bark beetle
• secondary bark beetle
• greenery plantation
• life cycle
• Heterobasidion annosum
• sanitary cutting

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the owners of the greenery plantations for allowing us access. Especially thanks to Kristian Bodal-Lauridsen and Mogens Lunde for their cooperation and participation.

Also many thanks to Emil Kristensen, Marianne Debue and Chloé Malaisé for their help with the data collecting.

Lastly many thanks to the two reviewers for greatly improving the manuscript with their suggestions, comments and corrections.

This work was supported by “Promilleafgiftsfonden” and “Danish Christmas Tree Association”.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.