Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Southern Pine Beetle

The southern pine beetle (SPB)(Dendroctonus frontalis) is the most destructive insect pest in southern forests. SBP, especially when considered with other bark beetles, cause great economic damage and disruption of resource management practices. While at endemic levels, bark beetles serve as natural agents of tree mortality, especially of lightning struck or weakened trees. However, at epidemic levels, bark beetles pose serious threats to forest ecosystem health. Acting as invasive agents in susceptible host types, bark beetles may seriously affect the function and sustainability of forest ecosystems.

The Encyclopedia of Southern Pine Beetles has been organized and funded as of the Spring of 2006. Work commenced in September 2006 with an expected completion date of summer of 2008. The proposed subject matter outline and the authoring guidelines that content authors are using are now available.

In the meantime, readers looking for information on SBP and other insects affecting southern forests may view the forest health section of the Encyclopedia of Southern Appalachian Forest Ecosystems and in particular, the section on Southern Pine Beetle.

Please view the Pine Beetle Credits page for information about who is working on the development of the Encyclopedia of Southern Pine Beetle.