JEWEL BEETLES: IN-BETWEEN THREAT AND RICHNESS IN FRENCH FORESTS

Jewel beetles (Buprestidae) are primarily forest insects, and 155 species inhabit French forests. Several taxa are considered as heritage species in both broadleaf and conifer forests. The larvae of most species develop within the inner, living part of the bark; several species can also be opportunistic pests and cause severe damage to weakened host trees. The most significant pests in France are Agrilus biguttatus, Coraebus unda-tus and Coraebus fasciatus on oak and Phaenops cyanea on pine. There is no record of an invasive species in France to this day. However, several exotic species – e.g., Agrilus planipennis, Agrilus bilineatus and Agrilus anxius – deserve special attention. Climate change can affect forest jewel beetles because i) they are generally thermophilic species, and ii) they could take advantage of forest declines and diebacks following severe droughts. Monitoring by the Forest Health Department has not highlighted any significant increase of damage related to jewel beetles in oak stands during the last decade; however, a recent increase of P. cyanea damage has been highlighted in numerous Scots pine stands. © 2021, Ecole Nationale du Genie Rural des Eaux et des Forets. All rights reserved.