Notes on the Distribution and Biology of the Elm Bark Beetles in North- Eastern Italy (Coleoptera Scolytidae)

1989

S. 189-206

42 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200093197

In North-eastern Italy (Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia) nine species of elm bark beetles, known as vectors of the fungus causing the Dutch elm disease, have been recorded. The life history, distribution and ecological requirements in relation to the host plant and to the Dutch elm disease, are described for the most common species (Scolytus multistriatus (MARSHAM), Scolytus pygmaeus (FABRICIUS), Scolytus sulcifrons REY and Pteleobius vittatus (FABRICIUS)). For the other species recorded (Scolytus scolytus (FABRICIUS), Scolytus triarmatus EGGERS, Scolytus laevis CHAPUIS, Scolytus kirschii SKALITZKY and Pteleobius kraatzi EICHHOFF) some facts about distribution and bio-ecology are given. The elm bark beetles seem to be characterized by very different affinities with the main host plant (Ulmus minor and Ulmus glabra) and the corresponding environments. Moreover, the bark beetle species are well differentiated in their feeding preferences and consequently in the power of transmission of the disease.