Abstract

Gnathotrichus materiarius Fitch, 1858 is a North American ambrosia beetle that has progressively expanded its distribution across Europe during the twentieth and twenty-first
centuries. The aim of this study was to assess its occurrence in Slovakia based on multiyear surveys conducted in the Záhorie region and to document its first national record.
Monitoring was carried out in 2021 and 2025 in pine-dominated stands using traps baited with pheromone and kairomone attractants. No individuals were detected in 2021. In 2025, two adults of G. materiarius were captured at a single site during the first inspection of traps baited with a (+)-α-pinene and ethanol blend. A large volume of stored pine timber was present in close proximity to the capture site, providing suitable breeding material. The findings suggest a recent introduction or early stage of establishment in Slovakia. Although the species is regarded as a technical pest of coniferous wood, it does not colonize healthy trees and currently poses a limited risk to vital forest stands. Continued targeted monitoring is important to assess its further spread.

Keywords

ambrosia beetle; invasive species; first record; pine stands; pheromone traps; monitoring

Fulltext

First Confirmed Detection of Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Slovakia