Monitoring the diversity and abundance of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Florida

Several bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) are present in different counties in Florida in the pine forests. Some of these species cause extensive damage to pines and other hardwood trees. This study was carried out to monitor and report the diversity and abundance of bark beetles in three countries of Florida. Trapping and monitoring surveys were carried out in Leon County; (Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research), Gadsden County (FAMU Research and Extension Center Quincy), and Hernando County; Brooksville Agricultural Environmental Research Station (BAERS). The survey was conducted from July of 2022 to August of 2023. In this study, commercial ethanol gel (hand sanitizer was used as a beetle attractant) was used in the Lindgren funnel traps to capture the adult beetles. Data were collected twice per week, and specimens were taken to the Center of Biological Control’s (CBC) labs for determination. Our preliminary findings suggest that southern pine beetle numbers were low within the Southeastern Forest; however, more than 1,550 specimens of beetles belonging to the tribe Xyleborini and related tribes of the Scolytidae were recorded. More than 90% of the beetle captured belong to invasive species. The final determination of the bark beetle species was carried out by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, and new records in selected counties were reported. Here, we report the survey results from the Southeastern Forest and provide useful information on the diversity and abundance of bark beetles present in Florida.