Abundance and distribution of Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford 1894) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) in Belgium: new observations and an attempt to outline its range

Abstract

In Belgium, the current distribution and abundance of Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera, Scolytidae), a relatively new species to the Belgian fauna, is poorly known. Therefore, data on the range and population levels of this ambrosia beetle, on a regional and local scale respectively, are presented. Based on those results, the beetles' range is discussed. Among the analysed biotic and abiotic factors that could influence the species' settlement and population levels, climatic ones, and temperature in particular, seem to exert a crucial influence.

Short‐term development of ambrosia and bark beetle assemblages following a windstorm in French broadleaved temperate forests

“…At the species level, our data confirmed the current expansion of X. peregrinus and X. germanus in Western Europe ( Henin and Versteirt , 2004). These two polyphagous species were caught in Eastern France for the first time in 1960 and 1984, respectively ( Schott , 1994; Schott and Callot , 1994).…”

“…Accidentally introduced into Europe from East Asia about 50 years ago ( Heidenreich , 1964), X. germanus is a secondary pest, only attacking physiologically weakened trees ( Maksymov , 1987). Even if it does not currently appear to be a major threat in Western Europe, the economic impact of this invasive species is likely to increase in the region ( Henin and Versteirt , 2004), as it was recently observed on vineyards ( Boll et al., 2004; Flot et al., 2000) had already reported attacks on recently planted broadleaved saplings (mountain maple in Switzerland and oak in Eastern France) by X. germanus (as well as X. dispar ). Apart from economic considerations, the invasion of X. germanus in Western‐European forests could become a problem from a conservation point of view, due to its deleterious effects on indigenous biocenoses.…”

First report of three scolytid species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Romania

“…In the years Lateral view of a female of Xylosandrus germanus since it has spread and become established in many countries (Knížek 2011). Everywhere the species has established, it has permanent populations only at relatively low elevations (Holzschuh 1995, Bruge 1995, Henin & Versteirt 2004, Bense 2006, with the highest population reported to date at 578-600 m (Bussler et al 2010, Blaschke & Bussler 2012. In Voievodeasa Forest a permanent population was discovered at an altitude of 760-900 m, on a slope with a south-easterly aspect.…”

Genetic structure of Japanese populations of an ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus germanus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

“…2006; Lakatos & Kajimura 2007). It has a much wider range of hosts than other ambrosia beetles (Nobuchi 1981; Henin & Versteirt 2004; Bouget & Noblecourt 2005), and thus can colonize a range of forest types. It has become a serious forest pest in many countries regardless of whether it is native or exotic in those countries (e.g.…”

“…This species was originally distributed in eastern and southeastern Asia, but has now also invaded central Europe and North America (Wood 1982;Nobuchi 1985;Rabaglia 2003;Rabaglia et al 2006;Lakatos & Kajimura 2007). It has a much wider range of hosts than other ambrosia beetles (Nobuchi 1981;Henin & Versteirt 2004;Bouget & Noblecourt 2005), and thus can colonize a range of forest types. It has become a serious forest pest in many countries regardless of whether it is native or exotic in those countries (e.g.…”