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 ( 20062007). 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.