Ecology and Management of Forest Insects

Abstract

The most relevant ecological principles of forest insects and their various functions within forest ecosystems are discussed basing on specific examples. Emphasis is put on the ecology of the most relevant insect groups and on the management of both detrimental and endangered species. In addition, the impact of climate change on forest insects and of alien species is discussed.

Objective

This lecture has the following goals: 1) Knowledge of the general biology and ecology of the most important groups of forest insects 2) Understanding some of the important ecological principles and mechanisms of regulation 3) Understanding the ecological role of selected insect groups in the forest ecosystem 4) Knowledge of the key insect species relevant in forest and nature protection, hands-on diagnosis of infestation symptoms 5) Knowledge and assessment of methods and effects of phytosanitary measures 6) Knowledge and assessment of measures to promote endangered insect species

Content

- insect-specific basics of population and community ecology - ecological and economic significance of insects in the forest ecosystem - biology and ecology of bark beetles, other beetles, butterflies and moths, plant wasps, aphids and scales, galling insects and ants - significance of dead wood to insects and the forest ecosystem - management of important insect species - field methods in insect surveys - significance of global change for endemic and alien insects on woody plants - hands-on identification of infestations symptoms

Resources