Short and long range semiochemicals for the burnt pine longhorn beetle, Arhopalus tristis and other long horn cerambycid beetles

The burnt pine longhorn beetle, Arhopalus tristis (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. This species was accidentally introduced to New Zealand, and it has since spread throughout the country. A. tristis has been recorded to attack logs, stumps and standing, dead or damaged trees of pine species (Pinus spp.) and, less commonly, Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.). However, A. tristis is best known for its spectacular attacks of scorched trees within a short period of a forest fire, a habit which is shared with other Palaearctic and Nearctic species of Arhopalus. Here, in this project we will try to isolate and identify the chemical signal from the burnt pine that attract (long range) adult burnt pine longhorn beetle, A. tristis. Another aspect of the project will be to isolate and identify the contact sex pheromone (short range) of this species and another native longhorn beetle (e.g. the Huhu beetle).