Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) in chestnut‐growing areas in north‐west Italy

Abstract Field surveys were carried out to deepen knowledge about the ambrosia beetle community in sweet chestnut‐producing areas in north‐west Italy. They were carried out in areas where Castanea sativa is the dominant species, using ethanol‐baited black cross‐vane traps, from March to October over a 2‐year period (2023–2024). A total of 42 180 individuals including four genera and six species were trapped, with Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) representing more than 90% of all the specimens. The other species found included: Anisandrus dispar (F.), Xyleborus monographus (F.), Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) and Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) . In addition to these species which were already known to be present in the surveyed area, Anisandrus maiche Kurentzov was collected for the first time. Although the ambrosia beetle community recorded in most cases did not raise particular concern among chestnut growers, a strong increase in their abundance was recorded in 2024. Specifically, while most species have more than doubled their presence, X. monographus and X. germanus have increased more than 10‐fold. Owing to the economic and environmental value of chestnut and since ambrosia beetles are known to be significantly influenced by climatic factors, specific investigations are needed over time to evaluate whether their presence is actually increasing, particularly in the context of climate change.