Identification of Non-Native Bark and Ambrosia Beetles in the Early Detection Rapid Response Program: A Cooperative Research/ Forest Health Protection Effort

Tessa Bauman, Kier Klepzig, and Robert Rabaglia

USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (1,2)
USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection (3)

Early Detection and Rapid Response is a critical component of the USDA Forest Service invasive species program. We have collected, processed, and identified thousands of samples from funnel traps baited with ethanol (to capture ambrosia beetles), Ipslure (to capture scolytine engravers), and pinene-ethanol (to capture turpentine and other secondary beetles) and placed in urban forests and near port facilities and wood-handling facilities.  We have recovered Xylosandrus compactus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus,  Xylosandrus germanus, Gnathotrichus materiarius, Monarthrum fasciatum, and M. mali - beetles which are known to occur within the USA.  In addition, we continue to check samples for any new or recent introductions.  Current efforts focus on the following target species: Hylurgops palliatus, Hylurgus ligniperda, Tomicus piniperda, Scolytus schevyrewi, Ips sexdentatus, Ips typographus, Orthotomicus erosus, Pityogenes chalcographus, Xyleborus glabratus, Xyleborus similis, and Trypodendron domesticum. This program is a targeted detection and response effort that supports efforts to effectively detect high-risk exotic species early enough to pursue control and/or eradication actions.  Future goals of our participation in the effort include additional training of field personnel and students, development of new trapping, screening and identification methods, and cooperation with the Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team and Threat Assessment Centers on risk-rating for species and ecosystems.

corresponding author:

Kier Klepzig
Forest Insect Research
2500 Shreveport Hwy
Pineville, LA  71360
318-473-7238
kklepzig@fs.fed.us