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Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2022) | Viewed by 24916

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Prof. Dr. Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz

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Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, 60-625 Poznan, Poland
Interests: nature conservation, insect ecology, zoogeography; forest bioindicators
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Dear Colleagues,

Forests are the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world. Due to the abundance of species and their intricate relationships, huge problems are faced when investigating and analyzing them, despite the fact that increasingly sophisticated research tools are currently available, such as electron microscopy or molecular techniques. This is also true in the case of the most numerous group of animals in the world, i.e., insects inhabiting the forest environment. Interdisciplinary studies conducted by international teams are developing dynamically, with new species being described every year and with new links in ecological dependencies being identified, indicating a key role of insects.

We are currently living in times of dramatic environmental changes triggered by human activity. The effects of climate change are evident and lead to changes in forests. Growing numbers of insect species are being threatened, and it is our responsibility to protect them. On the other hand, we are witnessing the increased activity of many species, which causes considerable economic losses when feeding on leaves or damaging timber—a serious problem faced by foresters.

This Special Issue of our journal aims to provide a platform for scientific discussions on an array of research problems, such as geographic or historic diversity of forest insects, their variability, habitat preferences, as well as their monitoring or use as bioindicators of environmental changes. We are convinced that this Special Issue will not only be a source of inspiration for further research but will also contribute to reaching a reasonable compromise between the necessary protection of forests and the need for economic benefits. It is our belief that entomological studies will be of considerable value in these efforts.

Prof. Dr. Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

insect diversity
zoogeography
insect conservation
forest entomology
insect pests
monitoring
bioindicators

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects

by Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz

Forests 2022, 13(11), 1857; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13111857 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1274

Abstract

When we ponder or discuss present-day challenges faced by entomology, we focus first of all on climate change, since the warming climate contributes to a dramatic extension in the ranges of many invertebrate species [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

17 pages, 6489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Forest Stand and Stability of Uropodine Mites Communities (Acari: Parasitiformes) in Jakubowo Nature Reserve in the Light of Long-Term Research

by Jerzy Błoszyk, Agnieszka Napierała, Marta Kulczak and Michał Zacharyasiewicz

Forests 2022, 13(8), 1219; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13081219 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1123

Abstract

The current study has been conducted for over 40 years (between 1981 and 2022) in a natural forest reserve in Jakubowo (western Poland). The material for the analysis was collected in three permanent monitoring ground plots with different vegetation cover, humidity and degree of shade. The major aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the species composition and abundance in uropodine (Acari: Parasitiformes) mite communities that occurred in the three ground plots in Jakubowo over 40 years. The second goal was to assess the stability of the species composition and the number of Uropodina mites in the examined communities. The most important phenomenon observed during the research period was a considerable decrease in the abundance of Uropodina in ground litter and soil, and the second was the loss of stenotopic and rare species. Similar observations are also presented in previous studies, which embraced 36 years of research period (between 1978 and 2013). Now, this unfavorable trend, which is caused by anthropogenic disturbances in the environment, has become permanent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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15 pages, 6865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of the Female Flight Ability of Asian Spongy Moths (Lymantria dispar asiatica) with Locality, Age and Mating: A Case Study from China

by Muhammad Akram, Umer Hayat, Juan Shi and Shoaib Ahmad Anees

Forests 2022, 13(8), 1158; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13081158 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1368

Abstract

The spongy moth (formerly known as a gypsy moth), Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a polyphagous pest that defoliates various species of trees in the genera Populus, Salix, Quercus, Acer and Pinus. Egg masses of Asian spongy moths (Lymantria dispar asiatica) were obtained from five geographically distinct locations in China (Chengdu, Xifeng, Heilongjiang, Kuduer and Longhua regions) and were carried to the lab for incubation and rearing larvae up to adult emergence. The aim was to see how locality, age and mating status influenced the flying activity of female Asian spongy moths. The findings demonstrate that age significantly affects L. dispar asiatica flying activity, with flight period and distance decreasing dramatically as age increases. Locality also significantly impacts flight ability, and mating status does not affect the L. dispar asiatica female flight ability (p > 0.05). The maximum speed was observed for females from Xifeng (7.19 ± 0.34 km/h). The females from Heilongjiang were recorded as having the maximum average speed (2.35 ± 0.08 km/h). Females from Xifeng exhibited the maximum flight duration and distance (0.94 ± 0.04 h and 1.87 ± 0.18 km). Morphological features, i.e., thorax width (cm) and wing loading, significantly influenced the L. dispar asiatica flight ability (R² = 0.93 and R² = −0.98). The overall pattern observed for female L. dispar asiatica flight duration was Xifeng > Kuder > Chengdu > Heilongjiang > Longhua, and for flight distance, it was Xifeng > Longhua > Heilongjiang > Kuder > Chengdu. This research offers detailed information on the dispersion rate of Spongy moths in a known or newly introduced habitat, which can help us limit the spread of this polyphagous pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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14 pages, 3488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential European Geographical Distribution of Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) under Current and Future Climate Conditions

by Radosław Witkowski, Marcin K. Dyderski, Marta Bełka and Andrzej Mazur

Forests 2022, 13(7), 1097; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13071097 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) is an alien ambrosia beetle from North America, that has been spreading across Europe since the 1930s. The species infests coniferous trees, excavating galleries in sapwood. However, to date very few studies have predicted changes in ambrosia beetle habitat suitability under changing climate conditions. To fill that gap in the current knowledge, we used the MaxEnt algorithm to estimate areas potentially suitable for this species in Europe, both under current climate conditions and those forecasted for the years 2050 and 2070. Our analyses showed areas where the species has not been reported, though the climatic conditions are suitable. Models for the forecasted conditions predicted an increase in suitable habitats. Due to the wide range of host trees, the species is likely to spread through the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caucasus region, Baltic countries, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and Ukraine. As a technical pest of coniferous sapwood, it can cause financial losses due to deterioration in quality of timber harvested in such regions. Our results will be helpful for the development of a climate-change-integrated management strategy to mitigate potential adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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18 pages, 4702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microarthropods Living on the Endemic Tree Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) with Particular Attention to Collembola Diversity

by Dariusz J. Gwiazdowicz, Dariusz Skarżyński, Laurence Fazan, Yann Fragnière, Dany Ghosn, Gregor Kozlowski, Robert Kuźmiński, Ilektra Remoundou and Bogna Zawieja

Forests 2022, 13(2), 195; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13020195 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2463

Abstract

Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree species growing in several localities in the mountainous regions of Crete, Greece. To date, the microarthropod species associated with this tree species have not been identified. Since Z. abelicea populations are isolated and fragmented, it was hypothesized that the characteristics of microarthropod assemblages, particularly in the case of springtails (Collembola), would vary and differ among localities. Moreover, rare microarthropod species that colonize microhabitats not included in previous studies on Zelkova trees were expected to be recorded. Samples were collected from the bark and twigs of Z. abelicea at eight localities in all main mountain ranges. Among the collected material, Collembola were the most numerous (10,285), followed by Acari (2237) and representatives of Psocoptera (422). The obtained material and statistical analyses showed that the arthropod assemblages differed considerably at each experimental site, with the most distinct assemblage characteristics observed at the Gerakari site on Mt. Kedros in central Crete. The most numerous specimens were species of Collembola: Xenylla maritima (3844), Xenylla sp. 2 (maritima complex) (3364) and Xenylla sp. 1 (maritima complex) (2631). A total of 33 Collembola species were recorded, of which 19 had not been previously reported in Crete. Among them, 11 species were likely new to science and will be the subject of separate taxonomic studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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20 pages, 2213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Attractant Composition, Application Rate, and Trap Type for Potential Mass Trapping of Ips typographus (L.)

by Tobias Heber, Christiane E. Helbig, Sören Osmers and Michael G. Müller

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1727; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12121727 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

This study focused on elucidating the possibilities of improving current trapping methods for Ips typographus (Linnaeus, 1758). Three field experiments were conducted simultaneously in one study area in the German federal state of Saxony. A comparison of six different commercial attractants revealed a significant superiority of Typosan^®, especially for adult beetles after hibernation in the phase of their first swarming. It also attracted fewer individuals of Thanasimus spp. than the other highly attractive products Pheroprax^® and IT Ecolure Extra^®. Increasing the Pheroprax^® application rate by using four instead of one dispenser in a single trap increased the total catch of I. typographus only by 15.5%. In contrast, Thanasimus spp. catch increased by 195.5% when four dispensers were used. A test of different trap types showed a species-specific catching capability, with the 12-funnel WitaTrap^® being the most effective in catching I. typographus. The quantity of Thanasimus spp. bycatch in multiple-funnel traps demonstrated the necessity of a selective mechanism to minimize impacts on predator populations. Although we were not able to identify new milestones towards mass trapping, this study contributes to necessary improvements of current trapping methods. Especially in future stands with a smaller share of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karsten, 1881) the weakened beetle population in spring could be effectively reduced by properly conducted mass trapping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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17 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structure of Saproxylic Beetle Assemblages in View of Coarse Woody Debris Resources in Pine Stands of Western Poland

by Andrzej Mazur, Radosław Witkowski, Robert Kuźmiński, Roman Jaszczak, Mieczysław Turski, Hanna Kwaśna, Piotr Łakomy, Janusz Szmyt, Krzysztof Adamowicz and Andrzej Łabędzki

Forests 2021, 12(11), 1558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12111558 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

Background: Resources of dying and dead trees, decaying fragments of stems, stumps and branches, i.e., coarse woody debris (CWD), are an important structural element of biocenoses and are drivers of biodiversity. The aim of this study was to describe assemblages of saproxylic beetles in pine stands of western Poland in view of dead wood resources. We present faunistic (species identity) and quantitative (species and individual counts) data from two types of stands: 1. unmanaged pine stands, in which no trees have been extracted for over 30 years, with processes connected with tree dying and self-thinning of stands being undisturbed, 2. managed pine stands, in which routine tending operations extracting trees are performed in accordance with forest management plans and naturally dying trees are removed in the course of tending and sanitary logging; Methods: Beetles were captured in the years 2013–2014 using window flight traps. Assemblages of saproxylic beetles were assessed based on the indices of dominance, diversity (the Shannon–Weiner index), and species richness (Margalef’s index) as well as the estimated habitat fidelity index, feeding habits, and zoogeographical distribution. Similarity between the assemblages was evaluated applying cluster analysis. Dependence between dead wood resources and the diversity and species richness indices were analysed; Results: A total of 2006 individuals classified to 216 species were captured. Assemblages show considerable similarity on the local scale. Higher values of species diversity indicators were observed in unmanaged stands, in which no sanitation cuttings are performed; Conclusions: The decision to refrain from sanitation logging in pine monocultures results in increased CWD resources, which nevertheless does not lead to a marked increase in the values of biodiversity indicators. Unmanaged stands were characterised by a high share of zoophagous, mycetophagous, and saproxylic species. In contrast, managed stands were characterised by a high share of xylophagous beetles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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15 pages, 15252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Distribution of Xylophagous Beetles from Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Pinus massoniana Lamb. Infected by Pine Wood Nematode

by Xu Chu, Qiuyu Ma, Meijiao Yang, Guoqiang Li, Jinyan Liu, Guanghong Liang, Songqing Wu, Rong Wang, Feiping Zhang and Xia Hu

Forests 2021, 12(11), 1549; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12111549 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

The vectors of pinewood nematode of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Bührer, 1934) are mainly known as xylophagous beetles. Understanding the composition and distribution of these xylophagous beetles in host pine trees infected by PWN is critical to control the spread of PWN. In this study, we investigated the community structures of the xylophagous beetles in two main host trees in Fujian and Shandong, Pinus massoniana Lamb. and Pinus thunbergia Parl., in different stages of infection. All beetles were collected by dissecting the whole pine trees and then identified by their morphological characteristics and COI genes. The results showed that the diversity of xylophagous beetles was different not only between the two host pine trees but also among the different infection stages. The diversity of P. massoniana xylophagous beetles was significantly higher than that of P. thunbergii, and there were also significant differences in the different stages of PWN infection. In total, Scolytinae was the most common (53.70%), followed by Curculionidae (18.26%), Cerambycidae (16.31%), and Cleridae (6.04%). Monochamus alternatus, the most important vector of PWN, occupied a large niche and showed different aggregation positions during the three infection stages in both host trees. This result might be related to the resistance of bark beetles to host trees and competition with other xylophagous beetles. The community diversity of xylophagous beetles was jointly affected by both the infection stages of PWN and the spatial niche of xylophagous beetles. Knowledge of the diversity and competitive relationships among xylophagous beetles might help regulate the population dynamics of these beetles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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18 pages, 2840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infestation of Early- and Late-Flushing Trees by Spring Caterpillars: An Associational Effect of Neighbouring Trees

by Lenka Sarvašová, Peter Zach, Michal Parák, Miroslav Saniga and Ján Kulfan

Forests 2021, 12(9), 1281; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12091281 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

In temperate forests within Europe, early-flushing (EF) deciduous trees are often heavily infested by early spring leaf-eating Lepidoptera, while late-flushing (LF) trees are better protected in a phenological manner against such heavy infestations, as spring moth larvae begin to appear before their bud burst. The associational effects of EF trees on LF ones are only poorly known. We studied whether or not the infestation of LF trees by spring Lepidoptera can be affected by EF ones if they grow in the immediate vicinity. We compared spring assemblages of leaf-eating larvae of Lepidoptera on LF Quercus cerris L. with those on EF Q. pubescens Willd. in several microhabitats in Slovakia, Central Europe. Larvae were collected from mature and young trees. Mature trees sampled were growing: (1) in a closed-canopy forest; (2) in small groups; or (3) as a lone tree. Forest and tree groups are both constituted by oak species. Tree groups and lone trees were 20–50 m distant from forest edges. Young trees were growing (1) under mature Q. pubescens trees in a forest or (2) as a lone tree within forest gaps or near the edges. In the closed-canopy forest where LF trees (Q. cerris) were surrounded by EF ones (Q. pubescens), the caterpillars on mature LF trees were in abundance, almost as on mature EF ones. The species composition of larval assemblages on the two oak species was similar. In contrast, on small groups and on lone trees, the lepidopteran larvae were significantly less abundant on LF trees than EF ones. In the case of young trees, the abundance of larvae and their composition assemblages on both oaks were comparable in the forest. In the open habitat, LF trees were less infested by larvae than EF ones and the assemblages of moth larvae differed between the two. Our results reveal the effect (associational susceptibility) of EF trees on LF ones when growing in a close vicinity. It means that the phenological protection of LF trees may not be sufficient if they grow close to or are surrounded by EF ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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16 pages, 31720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ambrosia Beetles Prefer Closed Canopies: A Case Study in Oak Forests in Central Europe

by Jaroslav Holuša, Tomáš Fiala and Jiří Foit

Forests 2021, 12(9), 1223; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12091223 - 08 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

Research Highlights: The percentage of canopy closure was found to be the main factor associated with ambrosia beetle abundance and species richness. The latter two variables increased as canopy closure increased, probably because a high percentage of canopy closure provides a stable and humid environment suitable for the growth of ambrosia fungi. Objectives: Oak is a common host tree for ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), which have independently evolved a nutritional mutualism with fungi. We suspected that ambrosia beetles might have specific habitat preferences that are different from those of other saproxylic beetles and that reflect the specific habitat preferences of their food, i.e., ambrosia fungi. Methods: We assessed ambrosia beetle abundance with ethanol-lured traps in five old-growth oak dominated forests and five managed oak dominated forests (one trap per forest) during the vegetation period in 2020. We determined whether ambrosia beetle abundance and species richness depend on forest type (managed vs. unmanaged), degree of canopy closure, abundance of oak trees, abundance of coarse deadwood, and abundance of dead oak branches. Results: In total, 4137 individuals of six species of ambrosia beetles associated with oaks were captured. The native ambrosia beetle Anisandrus dispar represented the majority of trapped ambrosia bark beetles. A. dispar along with another ambrosia beetle, Xyleborinus saxesenii, represented 99% of all captured beetles. Conclusions: In addition to canopy closure, the abundance of oak trees and the abundance of dead oak branches were significantly associated with ambrosia beetle abundance and species richness. The abundance of A. dispar was mainly correlated with dead oak branch abundance and the degree of canopy closure, whereas the abundances of X. saxesenii and of the invasive species Xyleborinus attenuatus and Cyclorhipidion bodoanum were mainly correlated with the net area occupied by oak trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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7 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Native or Invasive? The Red-Haired Pine Bark Beetle Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in East Asia

by Wei Lin, Sangwook Park, Zi-Ru Jiang, Ying-Chao Ji, Andris Simon Ernstsons, Jun-Jun Li, You Li and Jiri Hulcr

Forests 2021, 12(7), 950; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f12070950 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3171

Abstract

The red-haired pine bark beetle, Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), is one of the most rapidly spreading invasive forest insects. Originally from Eurasia, it has subsequently been introduced to Oceania, North, and South America. Yet, the status of H. ligniperda in East Asia is ambiguous. Here, investigation and analysis were conducted on the beetle in China, South Korea, and Japan. New occurrences in China and South Korea were recorded by field surveys and the expansion of H. ligniperda spreading in East Asia was analyzed. The results show that H. ligniperda is likely an invasive species in East Asia, initially invading Japan, then South Korea. Now it has invaded and successfully colonized Shandong province, China. Furthermore, the species has spread rapidly and it is now widely distributed in South Korea and Japan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects)

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