Natural variability of specific forest insect populations and their associated effects in Colorado

Abstract

The natural variability for specific native Dendroctonus bark beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) and defoliator (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae, Saturniidae, Tortricidae) populations in the forests of Colorado ranges from endemic to epidemic. The effects of endemic and epidemic populations of these species on the forest and related resources are contrasted. The frequency and duration of epidemics for each species are discussed. Most of these species are at endemic population levels or in the lower portion of their natural population range as of 1994. Frequency and magnitude of future epidemics are discussed.