Situation of Anoplophora glabripennis in Korea Republic
Though common in China, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 list) does not cause outbreaks in Korea Republic and is rarely collected there. The earliest specimens were collected in 1909, and the presence of A. glabripennis in Korea has been known primarily through a handful of specimens in museum collections. Surveys were carried out in 2000 and 2001 in natural forest stands, in 9 montane regions of Korea Republic, to investigate distribution and abundance of A. glabripennis. A. glabripennis seems to be limited to Acer species (A. mono and A. truncatum). Thorough inspection did not reveal its presence on species of Populus, Salix, Betula or Ulmus. Two locations (Young Dae and Oknyo Tang) in Mount Sorak National Park were surveyed more intensively, as a small population of A. glabripennis had been discovered in 1999. All host trees were inspected, and less than 10% showed evidence of beetle presence, and only few beetles were found. Observations also showed that A. glabripennis is not found in closed forest canopies but mainly on trees growing singly in open sunny habitats, or near streams or roads. In order to explain why A. glabripennis is a relatively rare species in Korea, it is supposed that its populations are limited by the following factors:
- natural resistance of individual trees
- high forest tree diversity
- effective regulation by natural enemies
- highly restricted host range (Acer)
It is also hypothetised that A. glabripennis is an ‘edge-specialist’ which inhabits forest margins and which is well adapted to forest habitats constructed or disturbed by man.
Sources
Williams, D.W.; Lee, H.P.; Kim, I.K. (2004) Distribution and abundance of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in natural Acer stands in South Korea.
Environmental Entomology, 33(3), 540-545.