Bionomics of Haematoloma dorsatum (Hom., Cercopidae) in Relation to Needle Damage in Pine Forests

1996

26 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

3718

200044397

The red-black pine bug, Haematoloma dorsatum, originates from the Mediterranean region, where it is known since long as a pest on pine trees. The insect has spread northwards during the last decades and it is now widely distributed in Europe. Within the West European region, however, severe pine needle damage is reported from The Netherlands only. Here, the nymphs suck on the roots of the grass Deschampsia (Avenella) flexuosa, which has expanded strongly in our pine forests, greatly due to atmospherical nitrogen deposition. The adults suck on the needles of several coniferous trees, primarily on Pinus sylvestris. Due to the sucking, transverse rows of yellowish to brownish rings are formed around the needles. Later on, the needles become completely brown and drop off. These symptoms appear, when the adults already have left their host plants. Therefore, the symptoms could be wrongly attributed to other causes. A review of the literature is given on the infestations and bionomics of Haematoloma dorsatum.