Reciprocal invasion potential of North American and European spruce bark beetles

The goal of our research project is to estimate the risks of the North American spruce beetle and European spruce bark beetles becoming invasive in their counterpart’s range. These species can be accidentally spread through global trade and can cause considerable mortality of their host spruce. To estimate invasion risk, we aim to predict the interactions between the bark beetles, host trees, and predators which eat the bark beetles. These interactions influence the ability of an invading bark beetle to find suitable host trees and to survive to adulthood. Our experiments in Norway will determine whether European spruce bark beetles will infest and reproduce in the North American spruce which were previously introduced to the region. We will also conduct trapping experiments to determine whether predatory insects will be attracted to the pheromones of the non-native North American spruce beetle. These are complimentary experiments to ones already underway in Canada and will allow us to predict whether these bark beetles have the potential to become invasive outside of their current range.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen Heard

Student:

Partner:

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: