Simulation of Intraspecific Competition and Survival ofScolytus ventralisBroods (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Abstract

The process of intraspecific competition including its effect on mortality of the broods of Scolytus ventralis LeConte, was analyzed. Expected value and Monte Carlo simulation models were constructed for estimating mortality from the input parameters, attack density, gallery length, length of larval mines, and gallery separation where mortality is complete. Nearest-neighbor theory was applied in model formulation. Comparison of the performance of the models showed that both predicted the mortality observed in field-infested samples with a high degree of precision. However, the expected value model was the more efficient in terms of computer time and speed of solution and was recommended for practical use.