The effect of a warming environment on forest pest species : a contrast between bark beetles and defoliators

Climate change has been the driver of diverse ecological changes worldwide. The effects of the warming environment have been observed among several forest insect species, and their host tree interactions. Insects are cold-blooded organisms, therefore, temperature is the key parameter determining timing and duration of lifecycle events, as well as their geographical distribution. Correspondingly, the warming environment is also affecting forest health, resilience and structure. Consequently, shifting herbivory rates, altered distribution of forest pests, and an increased unpredictability of trophic interactions have already threatened the integrity of several forest systems. This review contrasts the effects of climate change on bark beetles and European defoliators outlining the key mechanisms of altered population dynamics. Additionally two case studies are developed involving the spruce beetle and the larch bud moth (LBM) to illustrate the nuances between the systems.Forestry, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat