Biology of the Mountain Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus monticolae Hopkins, in the East Kootenay Region of British Columbia.: III. Interaction between the Beetle and its Host, with Emphasis on Brood Mortality and Survival

Abstract Studies were made on the distribution and survival of the mountain pine beetle over the lower stem of lodgepole pine. The relationship between density of attack and subsequent total length of egg galleries was examined as was the relationship between number of exit holes and number of emerging beetles. The influence on brood survival of tree diameter, density of egg galleries, moisture content of the outer sapwood, lethal temperatures, resinosis in the subcortical region, predators, and parasites is described. Survival is compared between broods established during different flights in the same year. The optimum weather conditions for brood survival are discussed.