Traces of Common Xylophagous Insects in Wood: Atlas of Identification - Western Europe

This atlas provides a practical tool to identify xylophagous activity by the remains they leave in wooded areas in Western Europe. It presents descriptions of the galleries and morphometry of the faecal pellets, information about the origin and distribution of the xylophagous biological cycles, bioclimatic conditions, and bioecology, and the type of woods that are attacked. It will be a useful guide for forest managers, heritage conservationists, environmental engineers, bioarchaeologists, entomologists, loggers, and wood anatomists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 23 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This atlas serves as a valuable tool for identifying xylophagous activity by examining the remnants they leave behind in wooded regions across Western Europe. Xylophagous insects, among the largest predators of woody tissues, leave distinct traces that vary depending on their unique bioecology, making it essential to understand their recognition and characterization. The book offers a practical approach to aiding in the identification and interpretation of these insects through a standardized presentation of the most prevalent families and a key to their determination. It provides detailed descriptions of galleries and morphometry of faecal pellets, utilizing macroscopic features for accurate xylophagous identification. Additionally, the book delves into the origin, distribution, bioclimatic conditions, bioecology, and targeted wood types of xylophagous biological cycles. It serves as a comprehensive resource for forest managers, heritage conservationists, environmental engineers, bioarchaeologists, entomologists, loggers, and wood anatomists.

Introduction:
Xylophagous insects, belonging to the order Coleoptera, are a diverse group of organisms that play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on woody tissues. These insects are among the largest predators of woody materials and have a significant impact on forest ecosystems. Their feeding behavior and ecological significance make them important subjects of study for forest managers, heritage conservationists, environmental engineers, bioarchaeologists, entomologists, loggers, and wood anatomists.

Purpose of the Atlas:
The primary purpose of this atlas is to provide a concrete tool for identifying xylophagous activity by examining the remnants they leave behind in wooded areas in Western Europe. Xylophagous insects leave behind distinctive traces that vary depending on their species and bioecology, making it essential to have a standardized approach to their identification. This atlas aims to facilitate the recognition and interpretation of xylophagous insects by presenting a comprehensive overview of the most ubiquitous families and providing a key to their determination.

Standardized Presentation:
The atlas is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of xylophagous identification. The first chapter provides an introduction to xylophagous insects and their feeding behavior. It discusses the importance of xylophagous insects in forest ecosystems and highlights the need for accurate identification. The second chapter focuses on the taxonomy and classification of xylophagous insects. It provides a detailed overview of the different families and genera of xylophagous insects and highlights the key morphological features that can be used for identification.

Galleries and Morphometry:
The third chapter presents descriptions of the galleries and morphometry of faecal pellets. Galleries are the structures where xylophagous insects deposit their feces, and they can provide valuable information about the species and feeding behavior of the insects. Morphometry is the study of the size and shape of objects and can be used to analyze the fecal pellets of xylophagous insects. The chapter includes detailed descriptions of the galleries and morphometry of the faecal pellets based on macroscopic features for xylophagous identification.

Origin and Distribution of Xylophagous Biological Cycles:
The fourth chapter delves into the origin and distribution of xylophagous biological cycles. It discusses the life cycles. The chapter provides information about the life cycles of xylophagous insects, including their breeding, feeding, and dispersal patterns. It also discusses the factors that influence the distribution of xylophagous insects, such as climate, vegetation, and soil type.

Bioclimatic Conditions and Bioecology:
The fifth chapter explores the bioclimatic conditions and bioecology of xylophagous insects. It discusses the environmental factors that affect the distribution and abundance of xylophagous insects and their interactions with other organisms in the ecosystem. The chapter also provides information about the ecological roles of xylophagous insects and their impact on forest ecosystems.

Targeted Wood Types:
The sixth chapter focuses on the targeted wood types of xylophagous insects. It discusses the different types of wood that are attacked by xylophagous insects and the characteristics that make them susceptible to attack. The chapter also provides information about the economic importance of xylophagous insects and their contribution to the carbon cycle.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this atlas serves as a valuable tool for identifying xylophagous activity by examining the remnants they leave behind in wooded areas in Western Europe. Xylophagous insects are among the largest predators of woody tissues and have a significant impact on forest ecosystems. By providing a standardized presentation of the most ubiquitous families and a key to their determination, this atlas aims to facilitate the recognition and interpretation of xylophagous insects by a wide range of professionals. The comprehensive coverage of galleries, morphometry, origin, distribution, bioclimatic conditions, bioecology, and targeted wood types makes it an essential resource for forest managers, heritage conservationists, environmental engineers, bioarchaeologists, entomologists, loggers, and wood anatomists.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 279 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030663933
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021