Ips typographus (L.) and Thanasimus formicarius (L.) populations influenced by aspect and slope position in Artvin-Hatila valley national park, Turkey

This study investigated the effects of aspect (north and south) and slope position (top slope: 1100 - 1700 m and bottom slope: 1700 - 2200 m) on Ips typographus (L.) and its major predator Thanasimus formicarius (L.) populations and body length and weight of the pest I. typographus (L.) in oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.), dominated stands in Artvin-Hatila Valley National Park, Turkey for two years (2006- 2007). A total of 120 pheromone traps were used to assess the population levels of both insect species. The results of the study were as follows: 1.) I. typographus (L.) population on each aspect was significantly higher at the top slope stands than the other sites whereas T. formicarius (L.) population was higher at the bottom slope stands on the north-facing site. 2.) There was no correlation between the number of T. formicarius (L.) and I. typographus (L.) caught by pheromone traps. 3.) Body length and weight of I. typographus (L.) were significantly higher on south aspect and at the top slope on each aspect.