To develop a empirical model for predicting the spring flight period of overwintering Ips acuminatus adult, their density were monitored in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forests at Chuncheon in 2015. The monitoring data of the beetles and temperature in the forests were used to develop the empirical predictive model based on degree-day model, and it was validated using the data from Korean pine forest at Wonju in 2018. The lower threshold temperature for flight (LTF) and a thermal requirement for the onset of flight activity of the beetles in spring were estimated. As the result, the LTF was estimated as 1.3 ℃ and 269.96 DD was required for the spring flight. The median flight date estimated by the empirical model was one day earlier than the observed flight date. Therefore, the model is suitable for predicting the spring flight of overwintering I. acuminatus.

Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the potential pests of various species of pines. To investigate the effects of thinning on I. acuminatus and Stigmatium pilosellum (Coleoptera: Cleridae), known as a natural enemy of bark beetles, were examined in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forest in Chuncheon, South Korea in 2014. Three study site were selected - two sites (western slope and southern slope) that thinning was conducted in early spring 2014 and a site without thinning within 5 years. I. acuminatus and S. pilosellum were collected every week or fortnightly using the 12-unit Lindgren multi-funnel traps with pheromone lure (Ipsdienol +50/-50 40mg, Ipsenol +50/-50 40mg) from May to early October. The densities of I. acuminatus, the dominant species of bark beetles, were maximum 8.4 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.4 individuals/trap/day at thinning site and non-thinning site, respectively. In case of S. pilosellum, the dominant species of Cleridae, its densities were 17.7 ± 2.4 and 2.6 ± 0.8 individuals/trap/day at thinning site and non-thinning site, respectively. I. acuminatus showed first emergence peak on June and second emergence peak on September, but S. pilosellum showed only one time emergence peak on June – the density of S. pilosellum increased along with the density of I. acuminatus (r = 0.66, p = 0.0365). Our results shows that thinning in Korean pine forest increases the densities of I. acuminatus and S. pilosellum, reflecting increase in their food resources available.

Ips acuminatus is a minute bark beetle found in forest and can cause economic damage to pine and spruce trees. This beetle has well developed sensory system respond to both of visual and chemical stimuli. Both sexes have a pair of faceted compound eyes and another pair of knobbed antennae, work together to collect vital information. The antennae look similar in both sexes and consist of scape, pedicel, and segmented flagellum. The pedicel is the first segment by which the antenna is attached to the head and the scape is set in a membranous socket and surrounded by the antennal sclerite on which a single articulation occurs. The beetle’s antennae enlarge abruptly at the last segment of a flagellum giving the antenna a knobbed appearance. There are a number of sensory receptors, including olfactory and mechanical receptors. Here, the fine structural characteristics of the antennal sensory organs in male and female bark beetle Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) were analysed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).