Genetic characterisation of the deathwatch beetle – Call for support
IRG/WP 17-10890
M Höpken, E Melcher, J Trautner
The deathwatch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) is one of the most important pests of historical wood constructions. Further analysis of the exact nature of the feeding habits regarding diet and wood characteristics might deliver answers for controlling this pest. Also there is little known about genetic variability and population structure within the species. For analysis of infested wood and also the genome of the beetles we are looking for support in providing affected wood from various regions, either with living larvae or hatched imagos. Also we would like to get in contact with possible providers of existing laboratory cultures for knowledge transfer.
Keywords: Xestobium rufovillosum, pest insects, oak timber decay, DNA analysis