Principle of Investigator: Dr. Michael A. Ivie

Montana Entomology Collection, Marsh Labs, Room 50, 1911 West Lincoln Street, NW corner of Lincoln and S.19th, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717

Cooperators: Dr. Brian Thompson, Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy

Western Triangle Ag Research Center, 9546 Old Shelby Rd., P. O. Box 656, Conrad, MT 59425

Background:

Professor Mike Ivie is leading a project to survey wood-boring beetle diversity across Montana. Pondera County is underrepresented in this survey. Wood-boring beetles are attracted to ethane release by stressed trees. We surveyed wood-boring beetle communities using ethanol attractants that mimic ethane released by stressed trees.

Methods:

Lindgren funnel traps baited with ethanol attractants were placed in two locations along the Rocky Mtn. Front range in Western Pondera County, Montana. The first trap was placed in a deciduous birch forest at the Swift Current Dam campground (48.161193, -112.864566) (Figure 1A). The other trap was placed in pine scrub forest ~10 miles east of this location (48.209720, - 112.746463) (Figure 1B). Traps were collected bi-weekly over the course of the summer and fall (June-October). Traps killed insects, which were then collected and held in a freezer before identification.

Results:

Numerous species of insect were attracted these ethanol baited traps. These insects were preserved and delivered to Mike Ivie for taxonomic identification. Some of the species identified were a Cerambycidae (Stenocorus nubifer), a ptinine Ptinidae, a Rhysopertha dominica, and a few bark beetles (Scolytinae). There were also a few salvageable click beetles, some scarabs, and a few miscellaneous things. This is the first year of a multi-year collection.

Discussion:

Wood-boring beetles are important as pests and part of woody debris decay in woodland environments. Cataloging their presence is vital to understanding their impact on our local forest ecosystems. This survey will be continued through 2015.

 

Two side by side images of a black corrugatedtube hanging from two different trees.

Figure 1: Lindgren funnel traps baited with ethanol lures in the A) pine scrub forest and B) deciduous birch forest.