Arhopalus rusticus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): a new vector for pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae)

AbstractIn the study on the transmission of pine wood nematodes by Arhopalus rusticus, we research the ability and characteristics of Arhopalus rusticus to transmit pine wood nematodes. A total of 288 Arhopalus rusticus (female 142, male 146) were collected and 20 (female 8, male 12) of them were able to carry pine wood nematodes. Results shown that 12 beetles can transmit pine wood nematodes. Arhopalus rusticus does not eat the pine bark, but eat the pine needles. Pine wood nematodes are transmitted through the feeding bite mark on the pine needles. In addition experiments further confirmed that pine wood nematodes could transmit through pine needles.