Entomological Aspects of the Protection of Quercus Suber L. Forests in Sardinia

Abstract

In the Sardinian cork oak forests, more than 300 species of Lepidoptera have been found, 10% of which develop on Quercus suber L. trees. The population density of these insects varies greatly, and, in some cases, is so high that causes total defoliation on large scale. Three species in particular cause serious damage: Lymantria dispar L., and Malacosoma neustria L. with periodic infestations and Tortrix viridana L. with temporary ones. There are also other, less harmful species, such as Dryobota labecula Esp., Dryobotodes monochroma Esp., Dryobotodes eremita Fabr., Orthosia cruda Den. & Schiff., Spudaea ruticilla Esp. and Phalera bucephala (L.) that have different fluctuations which can be described as latent or periodic (3).