First record of Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann, 1794) on non-native spruces in Slovakia - short communication

Abstract

In 2015, we recorded the first attack of the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) on non-native Picea orientalis (L.) and Picea pungens (Engelmann) in Slovakia. To our knowledge, the occurrence of D. micans on P. orientalis in Central Europe has not been described yet. We found that D. micans preferred P. orientalis over P. pungens and other coniferous trees in urban areas. In laboratory conditions, 352 adults of D. micans emerged and only 1 predator, Rhizophagus grandis (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Monotomidae), was recorded. D. micans has a potential to become a serious pest of P. orientalis and P. pungens in urban, and in air-polluted areas.

Keywords

• great spruce bark beetle
• urban forestry
• pests
• picea orientalis
• picea pungens