Korean oak wilt (KOW) caused by Raffaelea quercus-mongolicae and its vector, Platypus koryoensis is one of the most severe forest pests in Korea. In spite of its importance, information about dispersal of P. koryeonsis is very limited. In here, a hypothesis related to long distance dispersal (LDD) of KOW reflecting behavior of P. koryoensis is proposed. When attack density of P. koryoensis increased, location of entry holes in the trunk moved to upward. The individuals which escaped from entry holes in upper trunk had potential to fly upper part of trees and they flew longer distance probably by aid of winds. We suggested that this density dependent dispersal of the beetle explain the spatial dynamics of KOW in large scale.

Korean Oak Wilt (KOW), was first recorded in Gyeonggi Province in 2004, and since then has increased steadily in its occurrence and ecological and economic impacts. Platypus koryoensis vectors the symbiotic fungus Raffaelea quercus-mongolicae, which is the causative agent of KOW. KOW may be closely related to recent climate changes, which have allowed P. koryoensis to extend its distribution range in Korea. And it results in greater overlap with the susceptible host tree, Quercus mongolica throughout Korea. In this regard, changes in the climate suitability of P. koryoensis and Q. mongolica were predicted using CLIMEX model and the influences of other environmental factors such as elevation and the number of days with heat wave were also identified in this study.