Bark beetles of mediterranean conifers

Abstract

Bark beetles of conifer trees in the Mediterranean basin play a relevant ecological and economic role in forest ecosystem functioning. Their activity often reflects the health conditions of the stands, while some species may become tree killers causing large outbreaks. Making the first impact toward wood decomposition, they are crucial components of the trophic nets. This group is extremely diversified, in relation to a wide variety of host tree species and displays a high level of endemism. The particular behavioral, biological and demographic traits of the species are largely the outcome of typical climate of the Mediterranean basin and the long history of human activity in the region. Much less knowledge has however been accumulated on these species than on those of temperate and boreal forest ecosystems; many gaps still exist, even regarding basic biology of many of the species and their common associates. This chapter is a synthetic presentation of the present knowledge of different aspects of biology, ecology, population dynamics, and management of conifer bark beetles in the Mediterranean basin, while underlying the essential information still missing. The particularities and originality of the most important species are discussed. The associated organisms and their relationships with beetles and host trees are presented. The population dynamics of the major species is discussed in relation to the biological, ecological and demographic characteristics. The economic importance of the pest species and their management are addressed. Observed and anticipated effects of climate change are elaborated and research needs are suggested in that context.