| Summary: | Research Highlights: Atypical and poorly understood attacks by <i>Dendroctonus rufipennis</i> (Kirby) to <i>Pinus contorta</i> Doug. ex Loudon were detected in the southern Rocky Mountains (SRM). The phenomenon is confirmed across all examined area. Its reproduction is described for the first time as well as the first attacks of <i>D. adjunctus</i> Blandf. in that host. Improved detection and diagnostics of <i>D. rufipennis</i> will allow a simpler, and efficient identification of the species. It will improve the detection capacity by pest detection specialists and entomologists, which will increase our understanding of the phenomena within and beyond the known range. Background and Objectives: In addition to <i>D. ponderosae</i> Hopk. other <i>Dendroctonus</i> species, sometimes together, attacked <i>P. contorta</i> that grew intermixed with <i>Picea engelmannii</i> in the SRM’ subalpine forest. The identification of these beetles was difficult. The goal was to improve the detection and identification of the species from similar <i>Dendroctonus</i> spp. attacking that host and to uncover biological facts about the phenomena. Materials and Methods: <i>Dendroctonus</i> attacking <i>P. contorta</i> were collected along the entire SRM, their attack signs and behavior were recorded. These characteristics were revised from those in the literature and new characters were introduced and tested. Results: The identification of <i>Dendroctonus</i> bark beetles attacking <i>P. contorta</i> in the SRM was improved using revised and new characters including attack signs, attack behavior, and adult beetle characters. An improved identification key couplet is presented to effectively distinguish <i>D. murrayanae</i> from <i>D. rufipennis</i>. Conclusions: Simplified insect identifications that are both accessible to users with different levels of expertise and are based on insect characters, their attack pattern, and signs, like the present, improve detection of insects of interest. Efficient insect detections allow a better understanding of the capabilities they have and the impact they cause to the woodland ecosystems we study, protect, and manage around the globe.
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