The ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus germanus) is a non-native species of ambrosia beetle (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Slovenia, the chemical ecology of which has not yet been thoroughly studied. The main objective of the thesis was to conduct research on the available literature on chemical communication and chemoreception – semiochemicals, which are behavior modifying chemicals. We analyzed the current practice of chemiochemical use and various baits, such as tree host species, then analyze data on the capture of X. germanus, obtained from the monograph Material for the beetle fauna (Jurc et al., 2024). With statistical analysis (Multiple Correspondence Analysis – MCA), we found ethanol to be the most effective by a large margin, the mixture of ethanol with α-pinene following behind. The Witasek trap captured the most individuals. The total number of captured individuals of X. germanus was 456. 370 were captured with ethanol and 317 with the Witasek black cross trap. The results confirm the key role of ethanol as an attractant and emphasize the type and color of the traps. In addition to the already known capture methods, this research offers the possibility of new methods. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the chemical ecology of X. germanus and offer a foundation for more successful monitoring and management of populations within the framework of forest protection.
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