The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis, is the most destructive insect pest in southern forests. SBP, especially when considered with other bark beetles, cause great economic damage and disruption of resource management practices.

At low population levels, bark beetles serve as natural agents of tree mortality, especially of lightning struck or weakened trees. However, during outbreaks, bark beetles pose serious threats to forest ecosystem health. Acting as invasive agents in susceptible host types, bark beetles may seriously affect the function and sustainability of forest ecosystems.

More information on the Southern Research Station research on the basic biology and ecology to develop innovative management strategies is available at Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants.

For additional information, view:

• Competition between fungi associated with Sirex woodwasp and southern pine beetle
• Responses to attractants: Field Response of Dendroctonus frontalis to Synthetic Semiochemicals
• Funding to focus more management and research resources on proactive prevention: The southern pine beetle prevention initiative: working for healthier forests