Comparison of the seasonal occurrence and behavior of seven pine bark beetles (Coleoptera: scolytidae) in Israel

The seasonal occurrence, behavior and gallery system of seven sympatric pine bark beetles were examined at two sites, using trap-logs and trap-trees ofPinus halepensis. Two groups of beetles were recognized:(a) Tomicus destruens, Hylurgus micklitzi andHylastes linearis, which are monogamous, univoltine, breed during the winter and early spring, and prefer the lower section of the tree;H. micklitzi andH. linearis tend to infest the main root system,(b) Orthotomicus erosus, Pityogenes calcaratus, Carphoborus minimus andCrypturgus mediterraneus, which are polygamous, multivoltine, and breed from spring to autumn.O. erosus usually infests the lower stem sections,P. calcaratus occupies the thin smooth bark aboveO. erosus, andC. minimus develops on the top stem.Cr. mediterraneus lives in the mines and egg tunnels of the other species and uses their gallery entrance holes. Occupation of different stem sections by the beetles, and beetle damage as related to tree age are discussed.