Morphological and biological observations of the black pine borer Phaenops yin (Coleoptera: Buprestidae),a potential severe pest of Pinus tabuliformis in Beijing
【Aim】To investigate the status of Pinus tabuliformis infested by a buprestid beetle,Phaenops yin Kuban & Bily (Coleoptera: Buprestidae),and to understand the biology of this pest. The causes and dynamics of the accidental outbreak of this pest would be analyzed to explore its integrated management measures. 【Methods】The occurrence of P. yin was investigated,including infestation of pines,damage symptom,and natural enemies. The main causes inducing the outbreaks of the buprestid beetle were analyzed based on literatures and the meteorological data of Beijing City in recent 20 years. 【Results】 The mortality of pine trees was about 30%,and their infestation rate by P. yin was about 60%. Two parasitic natural enemies,Atanycolus initiator (Fabricius) and Iphiaulax impostor (Scopoli),were discovered in the larval galleries of P. yin. 【Conclusion】The outbreaks of this pest might be related with the persistent drought and decrease of rainfall,which causes pine trees under stress. These findings suggest that a timely forecast on the outbreaks of this pest based on the climate change would be practicable,and the population dynamics of this pest can be regulated by using integrated management measures such as watering for cooling,cleaning infested branches,protecting natural enemies,as well as rational application of selective pesticides.