Forest Insect Ecology and Management

Intra- and interspecific variations in flight performance of oak-associated Agrilinae (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) using computerised flight mills

This study evaluates flight performance variability among oak-associated Agrilinae beetles, finding interspecific differences and limited average dispersal capacities.

Progress in Developing a Bark Beetle Identification Tool

This paper introduces a MaxViT-based model for bark beetle genus identification from images, achieving high F1 scores and serving as a foundation for future tools in forest management and ecology.

Worldwide spread of Hylurgus ligniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), and the potential role of bridgehead invasions

This study reconstructs the worldwide invasions of Hylurgus ligniperda, finding multiple introductions and evidence of bridgehead invasions from non-native populations.

Boring beetles and super models: mapping the distribution of a new invader

This paper develops a temperature-dependent population model to predict the spread and growth rate of the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle across its invaded range.

Customized and rapid observational delimiting surveys for plant pests based on transect data and scouting

This paper introduces a method for designing efficient delimitation surveys for plant pests using transect data and scouting, showing it reduces survey effort and improves containment.

A high-resolution, country-wide scenario analysis of forest susceptibility to spruce bark beetle damage in Norway

This study evaluates how different harvesting strategies affect forest susceptibility to spruce bark beetle damage in Norway using high-resolution simulations.

The influence of biosecurity on the diversity and management of a 120-year old joint insect-fungus pest invasion

This study analyzes the genetic diversity and invasion history of the woodwasp Sirex noctilio and its fungal symbiont Amylostereum areolatum in Australasia using population genetic data, revealing low genetic diversity and clonal populations linked to biosecurity measures.

Recent climate change strongly impacted the population dynamic of a North American insect pest species

This study shows climate change has caused a northward shift in spruce budworm populations and altered their phenology and reproduction rates across North America.

The distribution of the hemlock woolly adelgid in Canada.

This paper maps the distribution of the hemlock woolly adelgid in Canada, identifying native and invasive populations and estimating spread rates in Nova Scotia.

Eruptive insect outbreaks from endemic populations under climate change

The paper presents a mechanistic model of mountain pine beetle population dynamics, showing how climate change can shift parameters to eliminate endemic equilibria and trigger outbreaks.

Tree diversity reduces pathogen damage in temperate forests: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis showing that tree species diversity reduces pathogen damage in temperate forests, with neighbour identity playing a key role.

From calamity to infestation: linking windstorm tree damage to bark beetle outbreak through forest structure and meteorological analysis

This study examines the link between windstorm tree damage and subsequent bark beetle outbreaks, finding no significant predictors of the interaction between the two events.

Modeling Mountain Pine Beetle Abundance in Novel Hosts

This study models mountain pine beetle abundance in novel hosts, finding jack pine is less susceptible than lodgepole pine, with lower infestation rates and reproduction.

Probability of outbreaks of forest insects in Europe: a generic model calibrated on six forest insect profiles

The paper develops a generic mathematical model to predict forest insect outbreaks in Europe, calibrated on six insect profiles and applied to the oak processionary moth.

Temperature fluctuations influence predictions of landscape-scale spruce budworm defoliation in a physiologically-informed species distribution model

Comparisons of Tree Damage Indicators in Five NASA ABoVE Forest Sites Near Fairbanks, Alaska

The paper compares tree damage indicators across five ABoVE sites near Fairbanks, Alaska, finding higher herbivory in deciduous trees and conifer understory browning in colder soils.

Modeling Mountain Pine Beetle Abundance and Distribution in a Changing Climate

This study models mountain pine beetle outbreaks under climate change, finding increased infestation probability and numbers with rising temperatures.

Characterizing the speed and severity of mountain pine beetle spread under climate change with a mechanistic model

The paper uses a mechanistic model to simulate mountain pine beetle spread under climate change, finding faster and more severe outbreaks in the future.

DNA isolation in bark beetles: reliability of extraction methods and application in downstream molecular procedures

The paper compares DNA extraction methods in five bark beetle species to determine the most effective protocol for population-level studies.

Multi-trait selection to build resilience in conifer forests: a case study on spruce-shoot weevil interactions

The paper investigates the genetic and environmental factors influencing resistance to spruce-shoot weevil in spruce trees, finding that hybrid status and elevation-based parental origins affect both growth and pest susceptibility.

A highly contiguous genome assembly of a major forest pest, the Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus

The paper presents a high-quality genome assembly of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, revealing gene families related to plant cell wall degradation and providing resources for studying its evolutionary biology and pest control.