Genetic variation among mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) populations from seven western states

Abstract

The mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, exhibits variations in morphology, behavior, and physiology over its extensive range. Morphological variation is seen in size differences in beetles from different localities and in the surface sculpturing of various body parts. There are also apparent differences in host selection among populations. While this insect attacks most species of pines in western North America, beetle populations in mixed pine stands may concentrate on one host species (Barker et al. 1971, Wood 1963). This diversity is reflected in the taxonomic history of the mountain pine beetle. Hopkins (1902) proposed the name D. ponderosae for a bark beetle attacking ponderosa pine in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In 1905, Hopkins described D. monticolae from specimens taken from western white pine at Kootenai, Idaho. Later, Hopkins (1909) extended the host list of D. monticolae to several additional pine species in the northwestern states and California. The ranges of Hopkins' (1909) Black Hills beetle (D. ponderosae) and each pine beetle (D. monticolae) are shown· Fig. 1

Citation

Stock, M. W.; Amman, G. D.; Higby, P. K. 1984. Genetic variation among mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) populations from seven western states. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 77: 760-764.