A novel choice test to detect the influence of fungi on the tunneling behavior of sympatric bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae)

Bark beetles are significant forest pests, with primary tree-killing species often relying on obligate mutualistic fungi carried by specialized mycangia. In contrast, secondary bark beetles, which do not typically attack healthy trees, often lack obligate fungal mutualists. However, all bark beetles vector fungi that may provide nutrition to them, improve substrate conditions, or act as antagonists hindering their success. This study introduces a paired-tube choice test arena to assess bark beetle-fungal interactions using minimal phloem-media. We hypothesized that primary bark beetles with mycangial fungi (e.g., Dendroctonus frontalis and D. barberi) avoid phloem infested with non-mycangial fungi such as Ophiostoma minus, while secondary beetles like Ips pini, which do not rely on mycangial fungi, show no preference for fungal-infested or fungus-free phloem. Our findings revealed that D. barberi preferred uninfested phloem, whereas I. pini preferred the O. minus-infested phloem. Intere..., , # A novel choice test to detect the influence of fungi on the tunneling behavior of sympatric bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae)

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.gtht76hz1](10.5061/dryad.gtht76hz1)

## Description of the data and file structure

The data files contain cleaned data from a choice test experiment conducted on three bark beetle species in Northern Arizona. Each file includes a legend explaining how the data was encoded. For additional information on the experimental design and study setup, please refer to the methods and abstract sections.

### Files and variables

#### File: Cleaned\_Controls\_Data\_2024\_Choice\_Test.xlsx

**Description:** 

* The data files contain cleaned choice test data from control tubes, in which no fungus was added to either side.

##### Variables

* The **Method** variable refers to the material used in the middle of the tube for traction, Media, used growth media, and Toothpick, used a toothpick.
* The **Beetle** variable identifies the species. S...,