Date of Award
Summer 2019
Degree Type
Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Derek Rosenberger
Abstract
The economic and ecological significance of many exotic and native outbreaking species of Scolytine beetles is well understood, however much less is known of most other native Scolytine and woodboring beetles, particularly in the American Midwest. Further, very few studies have focused on oak ecosystems, particularly endangered oak savannas. To investigate the woodboring beetle communities of Midwestern oak savannas we selected a high-quality remnant black oak savanna and adjacent woodland site in Northeastern Illinois. We trapped for 12 weeks from late May to August. Overall, 4.5 times more beetles were found in savanna than woodland sites. There was also greater diversity of all beetles and greater average species richness of exotic species in savanna than paired woodland sites. Interestingly, Bostrichids, particularly the little studied Scobicia bidentata, were highly abundant at savanna sites compared to nearby woodland. These results suggest that Midwestern oak savanna may be an important habitat for both native and exotic woodboring beetles and deserves greater attention as habitat for these insects.
Recommended Citation
Senti, Tanner, "The Community Composition of Bark and Wood Boring Beetles in Woodland and Endangered Midwestern Oak Savanna Habitats" (2019). Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship. 8.
https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/pence_boyce/8