Attraction of Native and Exotic Ambrosia Beetles (Scolytidae) to Traps Baited with Ethanol and (-)-Alpha-Pinene in the South

Dan Miller and Chris Crowe

USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station

In 2002-2004, the effects of ethanol and (–)-alpha-pinene (released at high rates) on catches of ambrosia beetles (Scolytidae) in eight-unit multiple-funnel traps were determined in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. We found that some species such as Xyleborus pubescens preferred traps baited with the combination of ethanol and (–)-alpha-pinene. Other species such as Xyleborus crassiusculus, X. affinis and Xyleborinus saxesenii preferred traps baited solely with ethanol with little, if any, effect by (–)-alpha-pinene. Attraction of some species such as Monarthrum mali to ethanol-baited traps was interrupted by (–)-alpha-pinene. Exotic ambrosia beetles were more common than native species of ambrosia beetles with the percentage of exotic beetles ranging from 53% to 91% of all ambrosia beetles captured in the study.

corresponding author:

Dan Miller
Southern Research Station
320 Green Street
Athens GA 30602-2044
706-559-4247
dmiller03@fs.fed.us