ABSTRACT
A study concerning the effects of elevation and exposure of the spruce forests on defoliation levels of oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.) by Ips typographus L. was carried out during 2005 and 2006 in Artvin-Hatila National Park, Turkey Nine spruce stands were selected at 3 zones of elevations (1000-1350 m, 1350-1700 m and 1700-2000 m) and at different aspects to assess the role of elevation and exposure in the crown defoliation level and body length of beetles. Influence of bark thickness and trunk diameter at 1.3 m on the damage caused by the pest was investigated as well. The results of the study were as follows: (1) The mean defoliation level was highest at 1700-2000 m following by 1350-1700 m and 1000-1350 m. (2) The highest defoliation levels occurred on southern slopes following by eastern and northern slopes at 1700-2000 m. (3) No statistical differences were found in the mean bark thickness between tree defoliation levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. (4) Mean trunk diameters of dead trees (level 4) were significantly greater than those with defoliation levels 0, 1 and 2. (5) Mean body length of I. typographus at upper zones was significantly higher than those at middle and lower zones.
Subject(s)
Altitude , Animals , Ecosystem , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Picea/growth & development , Plant Leaves/growth & development , Population Dynamics , Turkey , Weevils/physiologyABSTRACT
The family Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) has 63 species in the western Palaearctic Region of the world. Thirty-four out of 63 species present in Turkey either permanently or temporarily. The subfamilies Smerinthinae, Sphinginae and Macroglossinae are consisted of 7, 4, and 23 species respectively Ten out of 34 species were captured in the field. Available knowledge of Sphingidae of Turkey was evaluated and summarized with this study as well.