The Genus Tomicus

The genus Tomicus includes eight species distributed in Europe and/or Asia, with one of them (. T. piniperda) having been introduced to North America. Tomicus are monogamous and univoltine species that develop on pines, except for one species that feeds on Picea. Their life cycle alternates between reproductive attacks on stem and sexual maturation in shoots. A species identification key, the phylogenetic tree, and the host ranges are presented. Only the biology of three European species and one Asian species is known sufficiently in detail. They are associated with a large diversity of organisms under the bark of the host tree and whenever possible their role is discussed. They are generally unable to overcome the resistance of healthy trees and thus develop on very weak or recently killed trees, but they can cause considerable damage to shoots, thus sometimes becoming a weakening factor. Factors affecting population abundances and host susceptibility are discussed. Finally, economic and ecological impacts are presented, followed by population management aspects. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.