DISPERSAL OF THE SPRUCE BEETLE, DENDROCTONUS-RUFIPENNIS KIRBY (COL, SCOLYTIDAE) FROM AN EXPERIMENTAL LOG DECK

Dispersal of spruce beetles from a log deck composed of infested (broo d) and uninfested spruce logs was assessed by trapping emerged beetles and sampling logs for fresh attacks. The brood logs were dusted with fluorescent powder in order to mark beetles as they emerged. Two other log decks, composed of uninfested spruce, were built 25 m distant on opposite sides of the brood log deck to provide alternative host mater ial for the dispersing beetles. About 14% of the emerged beetles attac ked uninfested logs in the central deck and 25% attacked logs in the o ther two decks. The balance of the beetles dispersed beyond the experi mental area.