Advances in the Biology, Ecology, and Management of Scolytinae Pests

Dear Colleagues,

Scolytinae beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) represent one of the most relevant insect groups in the turnover and integration of organic matter in natural ecosystems, playing key roles in nutrient cycling and forest dynamics. However, several species have also emerged as major forest and agricultural pests, causing significant economic and ecological impacts worldwide. Bark and ambrosia beetles, in particular, are capable of triggering extensive tree mortality and ecosystem disruption, often in association with symbiotic microorganisms and plant pathogens. In recent decades, global trade, climate change, and land-use shifts have further facilitated the spread and establishment of invasive Scolytinae species, intensifying their impact and creating new challenges for pest management and biosecurity.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent Advances in the Biology, Ecology, and Management of Scolytinae Pests. We welcome contributions addressing fundamental and applied aspects, including but not limited to species diversity, behavior, chemical ecology, symbiotic relationships, invasion biology, and innovative management strategies such as biological control and integrated pest management. Studies focusing on molecular approaches, monitoring tools, and the influence of environmental change on Scolytinae populations are also encouraged. By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive framework to improve our understanding of Scolytinae systems and to support the development of sustainable management strategies.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Taxonomy and systematics of Scolytinae;
• Biology and life history of Scolytinae species;
• Ecology and population dynamics;
• Host selection and plant–insect interactions;
• Chemical ecology and semiochemicals;
• Symbiosis with fungi and associated microorganisms;
• Invasion biology and biosecurity;
• Monitoring, detection, and diagnostic tools;
• Biological control and bioinsecticides;
• Integrated pest management (IPM);
• Effects of climate change on pest outbreaks.

Prof. Dr. Patricia Tamez Guerra
Guest Editor

Dr. Jesús E. Castrejón-Antonio
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.