Improving survey tools for early detection of exotic and potentially invasive forest insects

Abstract

Global trade expansion has increased intercontinental introductions of exotic bark- and wood-boring insects at an alarming rate, and recent introductions of particularly problematic species has resulted in significant economic and ecological damage. It is important to detect these recently introduced species early, when populations are small, as this leads to increased likelihood of successful eradication or containment. This study aims to improve the tools available for early detection of bark and wood-boring beetles (i.e., Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scolytinae) in two ways: choosing an effective trap type and optimizing the height at which traps are placed. Trapping studies were performed in May-August 2015, at two sites, using a 2 x 2 (trap type x trap height) factorial randomized complete block design. Traps (4-funnel or 12-funnel traps, hereafter small and large traps) were placed in either the canopy or understory. The number of species and specimens of target taxa caught in each trap was recorded. Ordination, rarefaction, and generalized linear mixed effects models evaluated the efficacy of different trap treatments on detecting exotic and potentially invasive bark- and wood-boring beetles. Results showed that the community of beetles caught was affected by trap height, but not trap type, and that small traps caught fewer species and specimens than large traps. To maximize detection of these species, we recommend that large traps be hung in both the canopy and understory. We anticipate that this research will improve our detection of invasive bark- and wood-borers, reducing the cost of managing these species and limiting their damage.

Discipline: Biological Sciences (Honours)

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Leah Flaherty