Journal of Pest Science (2004) 77, 113-117

Jean-Marc Henin and Maria Rosa Paiva (2004)
Interactions between Orthotomicus erosus (Woll.) (Col., Scolytidae) and the Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hym., Formicidae)
Journal of Pest Science 77 (2), 113-117
Abstract: Interactions occurring between Orthotomicus erosus, an economically important pine bark beetle in Portugal, and the aggressive Argentine ant Linepithema humile were investigated. Tri-trophic 'experimental enclosures' consisting of Pinus pinaster logs, O. erosus adults and L. humile workers were set up in the field and in the laboratory. Interactions between ants and scolytids were observed and quantified in terms of the bark beetle's success in colonizing the logs. The presence of L. humile did not influence the ability of O. erosus to colonize the logs, apparently due to the difficulties met by the ants in handling the bark beetles and to their inability to injure them. Thus, although abundant in many pine stands in Portugal and in spite of its aggressiveness, L. humile does not seem to affect populations of O. erosus.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jean-Marc Henin, Maria Rosa Paiva

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Linepithema humile		Portugal (continental)
	Orthotomicus erosus		Portugal (continental)