Potential for Range Expansion of Mountain Pine Beetle into the Boreal Forest of North America

The potential for mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), to expand its historical range in North America from west of the continental divide into the eastern boreal forest was assessed on the basis of analyses of the effects of climate and weat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian entomologist 2010-09, Vol.142 (5), p.415-442
Main Authors: Safranyik, L., Carroll, A.L., Régnière, J., Langor, D.W., Riel, W.G., Shore, T.L., Peter, B., Cooke, B.J., Nealis, V.G., Taylor, S.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal populations
Boreal forests
C.P. Alexander review / Revue C.P. Alexander1
Climate
Coleoptera
Curculionidae
Dendroctonus ponderosae
Entomology
Forests
Insects
Scolytinae
Weather
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Summary:The potential for mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), to expand its historical range in North America from west of the continental divide into the eastern boreal forest was assessed on the basis of analyses of the effects of climate and weather on brood development and survival, and key aspects of the interaction of mountain pine beetle with its hosts and associated organisms. Variation in climate suitability and high host susceptibility in the boreal forest create a finite risk of establishment and local persistence of low-level mountain pine beetle populations outside their historical range. Eventually, these populations could become widespread and cause epidemic infestations, creating an ecological pathway eastward through the boreal forest. Such infestations would reduce the commercial value of forests and impose an additional disturbance on native ecological systems.
ISSN:0008-347X
1918-3240
DOI:10.4039/n08-CPA01