α-Pinene and ethanol: Key host volatiles for <i>Xylotrechus longitarsis</i> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Authors

  • W. D. Morewood Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
  • K. E. Simmonds Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
  • I. M. Wilson Phero Tech Inc. 7572 Progress Way Delta, BC V4G 1E9
  • J. H. Borden Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
  • R. L. McIntosh Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6

Abstract

Xylotrechus longitarsis Casey is a common wood-boring beetle that causes considerable losses to the softwood lumber industry in British Columbia. Trapping experiments were conducted in the southem interior of British Columbia to determine whether the generic bait of α-pinene plus ethanol is an optimal combination for attraction of X. longitarsis. α-pinene alone attracted substantial numbers of X. longitarsis and trap catches were increased significantly with the addition of ethanol lures but different release rates of ethanol had no significant effect. The blend of pure α-pinene and ethanol was significantly more attractive than more complete blends of conifer monoterpenes and ethanol, whether or not α-pinene was a major component of the blend. Strong attraction to α-pinene reflects the preference of X. longitarsis for conifers, and particularly Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco, the bark of which is relatively rich in α-pinene. Increased attraction with the addition of ethanol lures, irrespective of release rates, to traps baited with α-pinene suggests that X. longitarsis prefers severely stressed hosts or deteriorating host material but may also utilize freshly cut or broken material.

Keywords: Xylotrechus longitarsis; Cerambycidae; chemical ecology; host volatiles; woodborers; pest management; trapping

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Vol. 99 (2002): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

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