Latest Articles from NeoBiota Latest 63 Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:11:02 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neobiota.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Distribution and genetic diversity of the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in Belgium https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/113421/ NeoBiota 90: 123-138

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.90.113421

Authors: Olivier Hendrik Berteloot, Alexandre Kuhn, Gertie Peusens, Tim Beliën, Louis Hautier, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Patrick De Clercq

Abstract: The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, native to East Asia, is an invasive pest of economic importance. It has invaded North America and many European countries and is further expanding its range. In Belgium, it was first observed in 2011. Halyomorpha halys is known to cause severe damage in commercial fruit orchards and vegetable crops. A dramatic and unmitigated expansion of H. halys in its adventive range could lead to significant economic implications for agricultural production. In this study, occurrence data of H. halys since its first observation in Belgium was analysed together with molecular information to map the populations and evaluate the genetic diversity of this pest. The genetic diversity of H. halys in Belgium was compared to data from other invaded and native countries reported in previous studies to identify possible invasion routes. The analysis of 1176-bp of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase I and II genes (COI and COII) led to the discovery of two novel COI-COII haplotype combinations currently unique to Belgium. The invasion of H. halys in Belgium is likely the result of multiple and ongoing introductions from its native region and from already invaded countries in Europe, particularly Italy. The expansion of the brown marmorated stink bug populations in Belgium is recent and ongoing. Presently, it appears to thrive best in northern Belgium.

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Research Article Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:49:32 +0200
Worldwide distribution and phylogeography of the agave weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera, Dryophthoridae): the rise of an overlooked invasion https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/101797/ NeoBiota 90: 53-78

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.90.101797

Authors: Andrea Viviano, Arturo Cocco, Paolo Colangelo, Giuseppe Marco Delitala, Roberto Antonio Pantaleoni, Laura Loru

Abstract: Global plant trade represents one of the main pathways of introduction for invertebrates, including insects, throughout the world. Non-native insects include some of the most important pests affecting cultivated and ornamental plants worldwide. Defining the origins and updating the distribution of non-native invasive species is pivotal to develop effective strategies to limit their spread. The agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera, Dryophthoridae), is a curculionid beetle native to Central and North America, although it also occurs in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania and South America as a non-native species. Despite being widespread, the extent of occurrence and origins of European populations of the agave weevil have been overlooked. In the present study, the current and potential worldwide distribution of S. acupunctatus was assessed and an analysis of its genetic diversity in the native and non-native ranges was performed. By analysing occurrences from local phytosanitary bulletins and citizen-science platforms, the agave weevil was confirmed to be widely distributed and to occur on all continents, except Antarctica. Additionally, there is potential for expansion throughout the world, as estimated by species distribution models. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity of the COXI mitochondrial gene (about 650 bp) was lower in the non-native (n = 39 samples) than native populations (n = 26 samples). The majority of introduced individuals belonged to the same haplotype, suggesting that most introductions in Europe might have occurred from a small geographical area in Central America. Constant transboundary monitoring and national laws must be considered to reduce the spread of the agave weevil, given that a bridgehead effect may occur from non-native populations to new suitable areas.

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Research Article Tue, 9 Jan 2024 14:23:14 +0200
Asymmetrical insect invasions between three world regions https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/110942/ NeoBiota 90: 35-51

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.90.110942

Authors: Rylee Isitt, Andrew M. Liebhold, Rebecca M. Turner, Andrea Battisti, Cleo Bertelsmeier, Rachael Blake, Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Stephen B. Heard, Paal Krokene, Bjørn Økland, Helen F. Nahrung, Davide Rassati, Alain Roques, Takehiko Yamanaka, Deepa S. Pureswaran

Abstract: The geographical exchange of non-native species can be highly asymmetrical, with some world regions donating or receiving more species than others. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain such asymmetries, including differences in propagule pressure, source species (invader) pools, environmental features in recipient regions, or biological traits of invaders. We quantified spatiotemporal patterns in the exchange of non-native insects between Europe, North America, and Australasia, and then tested possible explanations for these patterns based on regional trade (import values) and model estimates of invader pool sizes. Europe was the dominant donor of non-native insect species between the three regions, with most of this asymmetry arising prior to 1950. This could not be explained by differences in import values (1827–2014), nor were there substantial differences in the sizes of modelled invader pools. Based on additional evidence from literature, we propose that patterns of historical plant introductions may explain these asymmetries, but this possibility requires further study.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Jan 2024 14:09:58 +0200
Mining biodiversity databases establishes a global baseline of cosmopolitan Insecta mOTUs: a case study on Platygastroidea (Hymenoptera) with consequences for biological control programs https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/106326/ NeoBiota 88: 169-210

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.88.106326

Authors: Matthew R. Moore, Elijah J. Talamas, Jonathan S. Bremer, Natalie McGathey, James C. Fulton, Zachary Lahey, Jessica Awad, Cheryl G. Roberts, Lynn A. Combee

Abstract: In the past decade, several species of platygastroid wasps were found to be adventive in North America and Europe while under evaluation in quarantine as biological control agents of invasive pests. The scope and relative risk of this phenomenon is not fully known, but it is clearly a trend with implications for classical biological control. As a means of assessing the issue and to provide a global baseline, we implemented a data-mining approach with DNA sequences in the Barcode of Life Database, yielding 201 platygastroid BINs with intercontinental and island distributions. At least fifty-five BINs displayed exact COI barcode matches across continents, with many more BINs scored as inconclusive due to sequence length variation. These intercontinental and island BINs include biocontrol agents known to be adventive, as well as many species identified only to genus with uncertain geographic origins. We provide 2,500 identifications for platygastroid BOLD BINs, 88% to genus, to encourage additional research on this distributional phenomenon. The intercontinental BOLD BINs were compared to literature records and GBIF occurrences of cosmopolitan species to identify gaps and discordance across data sources. Smaller COI barcode datasets from localities in Florida and Germany, including topotypical specimens, revealed more intercontinental matches. We analyzed COI sequences in BOLD for the entirety of Insecta and Araneae to assess this phenomenon more broadly and because these taxa contain many hosts for platygastroid wasps. This method revealed that the intercontinental distribution phenomenon is widespread with implications for assessing biological diversity, taxonomic methodology and regulatory frameworks.

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Research Article Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:15:06 +0300
Running rampant: the alien ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Cyprus https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/106750/ NeoBiota 88: 17-73

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.88.106750

Authors: Jakovos Demetriou, Christos Georgiadis, Angeliki F. Martinou, Helen E. Roy, James K. Wetterer, Lech Borowiec, Evan P. Economo, Kostas A. Triantis, Sebastian Salata

Abstract: Biological invasions are considered a major driver of biodiversity loss, particularly on islands. Invasive alien ants can often have severe consequences on native biodiversity. Here, we review published and new information on alien ant species found on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, a biodiversity hotspot. Our checklist of alien ants of Cyprus includes a total of 17 species, of which nine are reported from Cyprus for the first time (*): Camponotus cf. vitiosus Smith, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1890, Cardiocondyla obscurior Wheeler, W.M., 1929*, Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger, 1859)*, Monomorium bicolor Emery, 1877, Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi (Mayr, 1904), Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802), Pheidole fadli Sharaf, 2007*, Pheidole indica Mayr, 1879, Solenopsis sp. (thief ant)*, Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846)*, Tetramorium caldarium (Roger, 1857)*, Tetramorium immigrans Santschi, 1927*, Tetramorium lanuginosum Mayr, 1870*, Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851), Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902)*, and Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863). We did not include three previously reported alien species for which we could not find supporting specimens [Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Nylanderia vividula (Nylander, 1846), Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius, 1804)], one based on a previous misidentification [Cardiocondyla nuda (Mayr, 1866)], and two species now considered native to Cyprus [Hypoponera eduardi (Forel, 1894), Monomorium subopacum (F. Smith, 1858)]. Literature records, specimens from field surveys and museum collections, the geographic origin of species, occupied habitats in Cyprus, and notes on invasiveness (spread and impact) are presented for each species. An identification key to distinguish alien from native ant species in Cyprus is provided, including widespread alien ants not yet known from Cyprus in order to support early detection, monitoring, and management efforts.

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Review Article Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:18:48 +0300
Testing a modified version of the EPPO decision-support scheme for release of classical biological control agents of plant pests using Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis and Cleruchoides noackae as case studies https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/103187/ NeoBiota 87: 121-141

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.87.103187

Authors: M. Lukas Seehausen, Manuela Branco, Catarina Afonso, Marc Kenis

Abstract: The 6/04 standard of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) on the safe use of biological control is a decision-support scheme (DSS) for the import and release of biological control agents in Europe. It was recently developed by the Joint EPPO/International Organisation of Biological Control (IOBC) Panel on Biological Control Agents. The DSS can be used to assess the potential environmental impacts of biological control agents. It is valid for different types of biological control: classical and augmentative biological control of invertebrates, pathogens and weeds. However, the DSS is not yet widely implemented in Europe and, during preliminary trials, it was found that its broad range of usages could lead to some confusion or misunderstandings, as well as requiring unnecessary information in some cases. Thus, the scheme was modified to specifically assess classical biological control against plant pests, i.e. the introduction of exotic natural enemies of plant pests for establishment and long-term control. The new version of the scheme was then tested on two parasitoids that are presently being released in Europe, the figitid Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis against the spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii and the mymarid Cleruchoides noackae against the Eucalyptus bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus. Both parasitoids were successfully assessed with the new version of the DSS. No major issues were encountered during the assessments and most questions were answered with low levels of uncertainty. Both assessments concluded that the parasitoids were safe to release in the impact assessment areas, with positive impacts exceeding negative impacts. Suggestions for potential improvements are provided.

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Research Article Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:44:38 +0300
Flowers of Impatiens glandulifera as hubs for both pollinators and pathogens https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/102576/ NeoBiota 87: 1-26

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.87.102576

Authors: Kamil Najberek, Wojciech Solarz, Wojciech Wysoczański, Ewa Węgrzyn, Paweł Olejniczak

Abstract: Flower infestation by pathogens may influence pollination effectiveness. At the same time, by sharing infested flowers, pollinators increase transmission of pathogens. In the presented study we identified fungi that colonised flowers of the invasive alien Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, one of the most nectar rewarding plants in Europe, as well as its pollinators. We determined factors (e.g., plant size, length of flower lower sepal and the width of its entry, air temperature and sun illuminance) that affect pathogen species presence and pollinators numbers. The study was conducted in three regions in Poland differing in time from the I. glandulifera invasion onset. It allowed embedding our results in the context of the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis. With reference to this hypothesis we tested whether I. glandulifera from the two younger populations are more frequently pollinated than individuals from the old one, which may be a result of the higher infection prevalence in the flowers of individuals from the latter population. Harmful primary pathogens of I. glandulifera (e.g., Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium graminearum) were identified from its flowers. Although the knowledge of the impact of the recorded pathogen species on the pollinators that transmit them is still limited, these pathogens are known to cause devastating diseases of native plant species and to incur significant economic losses in crops. Therefore, the facilitation of their transmission by I. glandulifera in the invaded communities may pose a serious threat both to native biodiversity and nearby crop production. We did not find support for the EICA hypothesis that flower release from pathogens may increase the pollinator’s activity. Bombus hortorum was the most frequent visitor in the youngest surveyed population, while B. pascuorum was most frequent in the two others. So far the dominance of B. hortorum as a pollinator of I. glandulifera has not been recorded. A possible explanation is that flowers in the youngest population, with significantly wider entries than in the two older ones, were more accessible for this large bumblebee. We suggest that the shifts in flower dimensions may result from the evolutionary processes and/or phenotypic plasticity; however, this suggestion needs to be confirmed in further studies. At the same time, it can be expected that exceptionally frequent visits of B. hortorum in flowers of I. glandulifera in the youngest population may contribute to increasing transmission rate of pathogen species to the new native host plants that are particularly associated with this pollinator.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Aug 2023 17:48:10 +0300
High abundance but low diversity of floral visitors on invasive Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/100625/ NeoBiota 86: 193-207

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.86.100625

Authors: Petr Bogusch, Terezie Vojtová, Jiří Hadrava

Abstract: Currently, plant invasions affect native ecosystems across the Earth. Although much attention has already been paid to their effect on local communities, we still lack basic information on the associations between alien and local species. Here, we present the results of our survey of pollinators of the invasive plant Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) in central Europe. At 20 sites within the westernmost part of the Czech Republic, which is strongly affected by the invasion of H. mantegazzianum, pollinators on the flowers of H. mantegazzianum were examined and compared to the species composition of pollinators on native vegetation in the surrounding area. While the flowers of H. mantegazzianum were frequently visited by high abundance of insects, the communities of H. mantegazzianum pollinators were relatively species poor, and the proportion of abundances of H. mantegazzianum pollinators was very uneven, with few species of generalist Diptera and the honey bee (Apis mellifera) dominating over all other flower visitors. Significantly larger species of the family Syrphidae visited flowers of giant hogweed than of other plants. Thus, giant hogweed is not a necessary part of flower communities for flower visiting insects, and it should be eradicated because of its negative effects on other plants, landscape and humans. Our results highlight the need for more detailed studies on direct interactions between alien plant species and native pollinator communities as well as indirect interactions between alien plants and native plants through competition for pollinators.

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Research Article Thu, 3 Aug 2023 18:00:13 +0300
Assessing the risk of invasion by a vineyard moth pest guild https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/100579/ NeoBiota 86: 169-191

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.86.100579

Authors: Hector Zumbado-Ulate, Tyler E. Schartel, Gregory S. Simmons, Matthew P. Daugherty

Abstract: Biological invasions are most effectively managed when identified in their early stages, which often hinges on robust surveillance programs. The recent invasion of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) in California suggests that viticultural areas in the western United States may face severe economic consequences from this and other Tortricid and Pyralid moth species if they were to establish. To gain insights into the risk these grapevine pests pose, we used occurrence records for L. botrana and four other moths native to Europe or the eastern United States and selected environmental variables to predict the extent of climatically suitable areas and potential pest co-occurrence along the West Coast of the United States. A suite of models was generated using MaxEnt with species-specific tuning of model settings. Overall, the results confirmed high suitability for L. botrana to establish across much of the study region, driven largely by high monthly variability in precipitation and low elevation. Two species were predicted to have intermediate suitability to establish over the study region (i.e., grape tortrix moth, Argyrotaenia ljungiana; grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana), while two others had low suitability (i.e., European grape berry moth, Eupoecilia ambiguella; Christmas berry webworm, Cryptoblabes gnidiella). The highest predicted potential for co-occurrence was between L. botrana and P. viteana, accounting for 19% of the total viticulture area, followed by L. botrana and A. ljungiana for 11% of the study area. These results may help with the optimization of surveillance efforts by indicating which species or areas should be prioritized for the deployment of invasive pest detection programs with pheromone traps. Indeed, given the apparent potential for co-occurrence of multiple moth pests in certain areas, our results may inform where single or multi-lure traps should be deployed as a more cost-efficient monitoring tool.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:52:22 +0300
lydemapr: an R package to track the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, White 1845) (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae) in the United States https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/101471/ NeoBiota 86: 151-168

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.86.101471

Authors: Sebastiano De Bona, Lawrence Barringer, Paul Kurtz, Jay Losiewicz, Gregory R. Parra, Matthew R. Helmus

Abstract: A crucial asset in the management of invasive species is the open-access sharing of data on the range of invaders and the progression of their spread. Such data should be current, comprehensive, consistent and standardised, to support reproducible and comparable forecasting efforts amongst multiple researchers and managers. Here, we present the lydemapr R package containing spatiotemporal data and mapping functions to visualise the current spread of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, White 1841) in the Western Hemisphere. The spotted lanternfly is a forest and agricultural pest in the eastern Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S., where it was first discovered in 2014. As of 2023, it has been found in 14 states according to State and Federal Departments of Agriculture. However, the lack of easily accessible, fine-scale data on its spread hampers research and management efforts. We obtained multiple memoranda-of-understanding from several agencies and citizen-science projects, gaining access to their internal data on spotted lanternfly point observations. We then cleaned, harmonised, anonymised and combined the individual data sources into a single comprehensive dataset. The resulting dataset contains spatial data gridded at the 1 km2 resolution, with yearly information on the presence/absence of spotted lanternflies, establishment status and population density across 658,390 observations. The lydemapr package will aid researchers, managers and the public in their understanding, modelling and managing of the spread of this invasive pest.

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R Package Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:50:26 +0300
Alien ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) on a quest to conquer Greece: a review including an updated species checklist and guidance for future research https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/98157/ NeoBiota 86: 81-122

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.86.98157

Authors: Jakovos Demetriou, Christos Georgiadis, Evangelos Koutsoukos, Lech Borowiec, Sebastian Salata

Abstract: Biological invasions represent one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss with adverse impacts on human societies, economies and public health. More than 500 ant species have been transported outside their native range with the help of humans, while the majority of them have managed to establish viable populations in the wild. Nevertheless, data from the Mediterranean region suggest that most alien ants occupy anthropogenic habitats with little spread in semi-natural and natural habitats. Research on biological invasions of ants in Greece had previously identified a total of 15 alien ant species. In this article, an extensive literature investigation and material examination provide a revised checklist of the alien myrmecofauna of Greece. Although the number of alien ant species remains the same, the checklist’s composition is largely altered to provide an up-to-date overview of the country’s alien myrmecofauna in order to enhance management decisions and future research. The presence and distribution of alien ants within Greek administrative divisions, NATURA 2000 sites and Corine Land Cover types are analysed and presented. In particular, the species richness of alien ants seems to be highest in the Aegean Archipelago (Crete and Southern Aegean Islands) probably due to uneven collecting efforts and increased climatic suitability. Alien ant species are mostly associated with anthropogenic habitats including urban and agricultural areas, although a significant percentage has managed to spread into forest and semi-natural areas, including protected NATURA 2000 sites. Future research directions enhancing the monitoring of alien ants and their impacts are indicated to safeguard native ant biodiversity and conservation efforts of rare and endemic taxa.

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Review Article Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:51:48 +0300
Halyomorpha halys and its egg parasitoids Trissolcus japonicus and T. mitsukurii: the geographic dimension of the interaction https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/102501/ NeoBiota 85: 197-221

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.85.102501

Authors: Francesco Tortorici, Pierluigi Bombi, Laura Loru, Alberto Mele, Silvia Teresa Moraglio, Davide Scaccini, Alberto Pozzebon, Roberto Antonio Pantaleoni, Luciana Tavella

Abstract: Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) was accidentally introduced to North America and Europe, becoming a key pest of many important crops. In its native range, it is attacked by egg parasitoids, including Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead), considered to be the main species, and T. mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae). Trissolcus japonicus was detected in North America in 2014 and Europe in 2017, while T. mitsukurii was detected in Australia in the early 20th century and in Europe in 2016. Both species now appear established in the new areas. The present study used the MaxEnt algorithm to clarify the geographic dimension of the potential interaction between H. halys and these two parasitoid species, and to indicate where the release of one or the other parasitoid species is more likely to be effective. We found that the suitability for the two parasitoids overlaps the H. halys native range completely. In invaded areas, T. japonicus showed higher potential habitat suitability at the global scale, compared to T. mitsukurii, and also higher potential suitability at lower latitudes at continental and national scales. These results can substantially improve the effectiveness of biological control against H. halys, by targeting the releases of parasitoids to the areas where each species is most likely to succeed.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:27:28 +0300
Where in Europe is Chrysomya albiceps? Modelling present and future potential distributions https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/96687/ NeoBiota 85: 81-99

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.85.96687

Authors: Sérgio José Menezes Rodrigues-Filho, Fabrício dos Santos Lobato, Carlos Henrique Medeiros de Abreu, Maria Teresa Rebelo

Abstract: Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), a species of blowfly (Diptera, Calliphoridae), historically distributed throughout Southern Europe, has recently dispersed to cooler regions in Europe, which is an intriguing phenomenon. In this work, we used Maxent software to formulate climate suitability using a machine learning technique to investigate this fact. The bioclimatic variables that best explained the climate suitability were Annual Mean Temperature (67.7%) and Temperature Annual Range (21.4%). We found that C. albiceps is climatically suitable for several parts of Europe, except for high altitude areas like the Swiss Alps. In warmer countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy, the entire coastal territory was the most suitable for the species. Future scenario models show that in these eastern countries and some northern areas, climate suitability has increased. This increase is reinforced when comparing the gains and losses in climate suitability between the present-day model and the future scenario models. These changes are most likely caused by changes in temperature, which is the main explanatory factor among the tested variables, for the climate suitability. As one of the most important species in forensic contexts and a potential myiasis agent, the expansion of C. albiceps to new locations cannot be neglected, and its expansion must be carefully monitored.

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Research Article Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:43:13 +0300
Tree diversity reduces co-infestation of Douglas fir by two exotic pests and pathogens https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/94109/ NeoBiota 84: 397-413

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.94109

Authors: Alex Stemmelen, Bastien Castagneyrol, Quentin Ponette, Simone Prospero, Gilles San Martin, Salome Schneider, Hervé Jactel

Abstract: The number of non-native invasive pests and pathogens has increased dramatically in recent years, with disastrous consequences for the health of forests worldwide. Multiple studies have shown that mixed forests may suffer less damage from insect pests than single species forest. This “associational resistance” can be notably explained by the fact that heterospecific neighbours make it more difficult for herbivores to locate and then exploit their host tree. However, the validity of these findings in the case of non-native, invasive pests and pathogens remains to be demonstrated. In this study, we monitored over two hundred Douglas firs in pure and mixed plots of a tree diversity experiment to assess the damage from the non-native gall midge Contarinia pseudotsugae and the non-native needle cast Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii. The probability of Swiss needle-cast infection was lower in Douglas fir trees surrounded by heterospecific neighbours. Gall midge damage was lower on Douglas firs surrounded by taller neighbours, consistent with the hypothesis of reduced host Apparency. Douglas fir trees that were more damaged by C. pseudotsugae were also more often infected by N. gaeumannii. Our study thus provides partial support of the associational resistance hypothesis of mixed forests against exotic pests and pathogens. Promoting forest species diversity at the stand level could, therefore, offer interesting prospects for reducing the impact of biological invasions, especially those involving both pests and pathogens.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:17 +0300
Modelling the invasion dynamics of the African citrus psyllid: The role of human-mediated dispersal and urban and peri-urban citrus trees https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/91540/ NeoBiota 84: 369-396

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.91540

Authors: Pedro Nunes, Christelle Robinet, Manuela Branco, José Carlos Franco

Abstract: The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera, Triozidae), is native to tropical Africa and invasive species in North America and Europe. The main host plants are citrus, displaying a preference for lemon trees. This psyllid was recently detected in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula, both in Spain and Portugal. Here, we used a model combining a reaction-diffusion model to a stochastic long-distance dispersal model to simulate the invasion dynamics of T. erytreae in Portugal. The psyllid spread in Portugal was simulated between 2015 and 2021 for different combinations of model parameters: two fecundity levels; spread with and without stochastic long-distance dispersal; single or two introductions of T. erytreae; and considering or not the urban and peri-urban citrus trees, besides citrus orchards, estimated using Google Street view imagery. The incorporation of long-distance human mediated dispersal significantly improved the F1-score in the model validation using the official reports as the observed data. Concomitantly, the dispersal rate of T. erytreae in Portugal was on average about 66 km/year, whereas removing long-distance dispersal events, the observed mean was 7.8 ± 0.3 km/year. The dispersal was mainly towards the south along the coastline, where human population is concentrated. The inclusion of the estimated citrus trees outside orchards areas significantly increased the F1-score in the model validation, revealing the importance these isolated host plants hold as stepping stones for the species current invasion and possibly for other species alike.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:16 +0300
Testing early detection of pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa nests using UAV-based methods https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/95692/ NeoBiota 84: 267-279

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.95692

Authors: André Garcia, Jean-Charles Samalens, Arnaud Grillet, Paula Soares, Manuela Branco, Inge van Halder, Hervé Jactel, Andrea Battisti

Abstract: Early detection of insect infestation is a key to the adoption of control measures appropriated to each local condition. The use of remote sensing was recommended for a quick scanning of large areas, although it does not work well with signals bearing low intensity or items that are difficult to detect. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, or drone) may help in getting closer to individual trees and detect atypical signals of small dimensions. The larvae of the pine processionary moth (PPM, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775, Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) build conspicuous silk nests on the external parts of the host plants at the beginning of the winter and their early detection may prompt managers to adopt management techniques. This work aims at testing two deep learning methods (Region-based Convolutional Neural Network - R-CNN and You Only Look Once - YOLO) to detect the nests under three different conditions of host plant species and forest stands in southern Europe. YOLO algorithm provided better results and it allowed us to achieve F1-scores as high as 0.826 and 0.696 for the detection of presence / absence and the individual nests, respectively. The detection of all the nests that can be present on a tree is not achievable with either UAV scanning or traditional ground observation, therefore the integration of the methods may allow the complete efficiency of the surveillance. The use of UAV combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) image analysis is recommended for further use in forest and urban settings for the detection of the PPM nests. The recommended methods can be extended to other pest systems, especially when specific symptoms can be associated with an insect pest species.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:12 +0300
Citizen science at school increases awareness of biological invasions and contributes to the detection of exotic ambrosia beetles https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/95177/ NeoBiota 84: 211-229

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.95177

Authors: Fernanda Colombari, Andrea Battisti

Abstract: The serious and growing threat posed by biological invasions to biodiversity and livelihoods means that public engagement in dealing with problems of invasive alien species is ever more urgent and necessary hence a citizen science experiment was carried out in north-eastern Italy. The study aimed i) to raise awareness of invasive alien species threatening trees and forests, and ii) to perform monitoring activities of a group of wood borers as an example, involving teachers and students (aged 11 to 18) of high schools. Students and teachers were given background knowledge and trained about the protocol for collecting data in schoolyards/grounds. Native (Anisandrus dispar (Fabricius, 1792), Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg, 1837)) and exotic ambrosia beetles (Anisandrus maiche Kurentsov, Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford), Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky, 1866), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894)) were used as the target species, as they could be easily detected through accessible and low-cost traps requiring limited effort. The traps were exposed for 24 hours weekly between March and June 2021. The experiment also aimed to strengthen public involvement, connecting environmental education and experiential outdoor learning. The mutual collaboration resulted in a wider knowledge of the potential impact of exotic species. It also led to new geographical citizen-science records of two alien ambrosia beetles considered to be quarantine pests by the European Union: C. mutilatus, new for the European part of the EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) region, and A. maiche, which was previously found only in Eastern European EPPO member countries.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:09 +0300
Pining away and at home: global utilisation of Pinus radiata by native and non-native insects https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/95864/ NeoBiota 84: 137-167

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.95864

Authors: Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Belinda A. Gresham, Nicolas Meurisse, Helen F. Nahrung, Anouchka Perret-Gentil, Andrew R. Pugh, Stephanie L. Sopow, Rebecca M. Turner

Abstract: Pinus radiata (radiata pine or Monterey pine) is threatened in its native range in California and, at the same time, one of the most widely-planted tree species worldwide, especially in the southern hemisphere. It is affected by a wide range of plant-feeding insects both in its native range and in regions where it is planted as an introduced tree. In addition, there are many invasive insects that have colonised P. radiata, in some cases causing major damage. Here, our objectives were to provide a complete and up-to-date overview of all insect species recorded from P. radiata worldwide, to summarise where these insects are native and which countries or regions they have invaded, to categorise them according to their impacts as damaging species or as vectors of plant pathogens, and to examine border interceptions to determine whether pathways exist that would allow these species to enter and potentially invade additional regions. Our compilation of insects feeding on P. radiata provides a list of 649 species (and an additional 11 species identified at the genus level only). Coleoptera is the most represented order in the list (299 species), followed by Lepidoptera (224 species) and Hemiptera (65 species). We classified 28 species as high-impact, including 12 true bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), eight Lepidoptera, five other Coleoptera, two Hymenoptera and one Hemiptera. These species can cause substantial direct damage or act as vectors of highly-damaging plant pathogens. Other species cause only occasional damage, rarely requiring management (classified as ‘low-medium impact’) or they are generally benign (‘negligible impact’). Hemiptera and Scolytinae have a high proportion of species established outside their native range. The Nearctic and Neotropic regions have been invaded by the most high-impact species, mainly by species native to Europe. Border interceptions of 185 species (29% of those on our list) were recorded during import inspections between 1995–2021, indicating considerable potential for further invasions. The findings of our study can be used to identify potential high-impact invaders and the pathways that may require more phytosanitary attention. Furthermore, our analyses provide useful insights into the insect-plant interactions resulting from the global distribution of a tree species and the native and non-native insects feeding on it.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:07 +0300
Jewels on the go: exotic buprestids around the world (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/90829/ NeoBiota 84: 107-135

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.90829

Authors: Enrico Ruzzier, Robert A. Haack, Gianfranco Curletti, Alain Roques, Mark G. Volkovitsh, Andrea Battisti

Abstract: Buprestidae (Coleoptera: Buprestoidea) is one of the three wood-borer beetle groups of major phytosanitary interest worldwide, together with Cerambycidae and Scolytinae (Curculionidae). As in other beetle families, some buprestid species have been unintentionally or intentionally introduced around the world, in some cases causing significant environmental and economic damage in the invaded territories. Despite the phytosanitary relevance of the Buprestidae, information regarding the identity of exotic buprestids, their biogeographic areas of origin, introduction pathways, and larval host plants, have remained scattered in the literature. Our objective was to summarize much of the existing knowledge on these topics in the present paper. Our analysis resulted in a list of 115 exotic buprestids worldwide, representing introductions both within and between biogeographic realms and corresponding to less than 1% of the known buprestid species worldwide. Invasiveness does not seem to be linked to their larval host plant preferences, as introduced species utilize 158 plant genera in 70 plant families and are equally represented in all feeding guilds (monophagous, oligophagous, and polyphagous). As trade of plants or plant parts can serve as a pathway for future introductions, the information reported in this review can help in pest risk assessment.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:06 +0300
Cosmopolitan Scolytinae: strong common drivers, but too many singularities for accurate prediction https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/89826/ NeoBiota 84: 81-105

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.89826

Authors: Jean-Claude Grégoire, Hervé Jactel, Jiri Hulcr, Andrea Battisti, Daegan Inward, Françoise Petter, Fabienne Grousset

Abstract: Many scolytine beetle species have been expanding in new territories, travelling with wood and plants for planting, sometimes with a high impact on plant health. Here, we attempt to quantify the mobility of these species and to identify the biological drivers of mobility and impact. Mobility was estimated by counting the numbers of landmasses (contiguous pieces of land, surrounded by ocean or sea) colonised by each species. A series of potential drivers (taxonomic tribes; feeding regimes; polyphagy; reproductive strategy; host taxa; aggregation pheromones and long-range primary attractants), as well as impact on host health were recorded. A total of 163 species were identified, out of 5546 counted in the whole subfamily. The cosmopolitan taxa amongst the subfamily showed significant disharmony with regards to invasion frequency. Four tribes (Xyleborini; Ipini; Crypturgini; Hylastini) were significantly over-represented and two others (Corthylini; Hexacolini) were under-represented. Some 53% of the 163 species are inbreeding, a very significant excess as compared to the whole subfamily (29%). The inbreeders colonised more landmasses than the outbreeders. There is a significant relationship between the number of host families attacked by a species and the number of colonised landmasses. Most of the invasive species are recorded to respond to long-range host primary attractants, only one quarter respond to pheromones. All very mobile species respond to long-range primary attractants and none is known to respond to pheromones. Very mobile species are all associated with a substantial or moderate impact. The most mobile species belong to a limited number of subtribes. They are often inbreeding, polyphagous and respond to long-range primary attractants, but do not produce pheromones. However, there are many counter-examples. The outbreeding Scolytus multistriatus attacks only three host families, producing aggregation pheromones and has established in thirteen landmasses, with a high impact. Due to these many exceptions, species-based risk prediction relying on the few traits routinely analysed in literature suffers from important uncertainties.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:05 +0300
The Alien to Cyprus Entomofauna (ACE) database: a review of the current status of alien insects (Arthropoda, Insecta) including an updated species checklist, discussion on impacts and recommendations for informing management https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/96823/ NeoBiota 83: 11-42

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.83.96823

Authors: Jakovos Demetriou, Canella Radea, Jodey M. Peyton, Quentin Groom, Alain Roques, Wolfgang Rabitsch, Nicos Seraphides, Margarita Arianoutsou, Helen E. Roy, Angeliki F. Martinou

Abstract: Alien insects represent one of the most species rich groups of organisms introduced to Europe, with some responsible for adverse social-economic, human-health, biodiversity and ecosystem impacts. The impacts of invasive alien species, especially on island ecosystems, have been a hot topic of research worldwide. Cyprus is a Mediterranean island at the biogeographic crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. This study presents the database of the alien insects of the island of Cyprus as a whole, created through an extensive review including grey literature and online sources. The Alien to Cyprus Entomofauna (ACE) triples the known number of alien insects and adds supplemental information to existing species. Data concerning a total of 349 alien insects are presented alongside an updated checklist and recommendations for informing management. The status of alien insects on the island, their origin, trophic guilds, establishment, pathways of introduction and impacts are discussed. Developing an alien species inventory for the island is challenging due to its geographic position and the increasing movement of people and goods leading to new species introductions. This publication constitutes an important first step towards providing information for effective actions to tackle invasive alien insects on Cyprus. The checklist and accompanying information can underpin understanding of the status and trends of alien species including providing information for risk assessments. ACE will continue to be maintained and updated as new records for Cyprus are made.

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Review Article Mon, 20 Mar 2023 18:58:29 +0200
Genetic relationships among laboratory lines of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus from native and adventive populations https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/97881/ NeoBiota 82: 145-161

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.82.97881

Authors: Paul K. Abram, Tyler D. Nelson, Valerie Marshall, Tara D. Gariepy, Tim Haye, Jinping Zhang, Tracy Hueppelsheuser, Susanna Acheampong, Chandra E. Moffat

Abstract: Candidate biological control agents of invasive insect pests are increasingly being found in new geographic regions as a result of unintentional introductions. However, testing the degree of genetic differentiation among adventive and native-range populations of these agents is rarely done. We used reduced-representation sequencing of genomic DNA to investigate the relationships among laboratory lines of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae), an egg parasitoid and biological control agent of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae). We compared sequences from multiple adventive populations in North America (Canada, USA) and Europe (Switzerland) with populations sourced from part of its native range in China. We found considerably more genetic variation among lines sourced from adventive populations than among those within native populations. In the Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA), we found preliminary evidence of three distinct genetic clusters, two of which were highly dissimilar from all other lines we genotyped. In contrast, we found that other adventive lines with close geographic proximity (two from Ontario, Canada, three from Switzerland) had limited genetic variation. These findings provide a basis for testing biological differences among lines that will inform their use as biological control agents, and provide evidence to support a hypothesis of several independent introductions of T. japonicus in western North America from different source areas.

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Short Communication Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:55:14 +0200
Population level interactions between an invasive woodwasp, an invasive nematode and a community of native parasitoids https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/96599/ NeoBiota 82: 67-88

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.82.96599

Authors: Saskya van Nouhuys, David C. Harris, Ann E. Hajek

Abstract: Parasitic nematodes and hymenopteran parasitoids have been introduced and used extensively to control invasive Eurasian Sirex noctilio woodwasps in pine plantations in the Southern Hemisphere where no members of this community are native. Sirex noctilio has more recently invaded North America where Sirex-associated communities are native. Sirex noctilio and its parasitic nematode, Deladenus siricidicola, plus six native hymenopteran woodwasp parasitoids in New York and Pennsylvania, were sampled from 204 pines in 2011–2019. Sirex noctilio had become the most common woodwasp in this region and the native parasitoids associated with the native woodwasps had expanded their host ranges to use this invader. We investigated the distributions of these species among occupied trees and the interactions between S. noctilio and natural enemies as well as among the natural enemies. Sirex noctilio were strongly aggregated, with a few of the occupied trees hosting hundreds of woodwasps. Nematode parasitism was positively associated with S. noctilio density, and negatively associated with the density of rhyssine parasitoids. Parasitism by the parasitoid Ibalia leucospoides was positively associated with host (S. noctilio) density, while parasitism by the rhyssine parasitoids was negatively associated with density of S. noctilio. Thus, most S. noctilio come from a few attacked trees in a forest, and S. noctilio from those high-density trees experienced high parasitism by both the invasive nematode and the most abundant native parasitoid, I. l. ensiger. There is little evidence for direct competition between the nematodes and parasitoids. The negative association occurring between rhyssine parasitoids and I. l. ensiger suggests rhyssines may suffer from competition with I. l. ensiger which parasitize the host at an earlier life stage. In addition to direct competition with the native woodwasp Sirex nigricornis for suitable larval habitat within weakened trees, the large S. noctilio population increases the parasitoid and nematode populations, which may increase parasitism of S. nigricornis.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Feb 2023 17:42:00 +0200
Population genetics of an invasive mosquito vector, Aedes albopictus in the Northeastern USA https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/84986/ NeoBiota 78: 99-127

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.78.84986

Authors: Andrea Gloria-Soria, Talya Shragai, Alexander T. Ciota, Todd B. Duval, Barry W. Alto, Ademir J. Martins, Kathleen M. Westby, Kim A. Medley, Isik Unlu, Scott R. Campbell, Malgorzata Kawalkowski, Yoshio Tsuda, Yukiko Higa, Nicholas Indelicato, Paul T. Leisnham, Adalgisa Caccone, Philip M. Armstrong

Abstract: The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) arrived in the USA in the 1980’s and rapidly spread throughout eastern USA within a decade. The predicted northern edge of its overwintering distribution on the East Coast of the USA roughly falls across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, where the species has been recorded as early as 2000. It is unclear whether Ae. albopictus populations have become established and survive the cold winters in these areas or are recolonized every year. We genotyped and analyzed populations of Ae. albopictus from the northeast USA using 15 microsatellite markers and compared them with other populations across the country and to representatives of the major global genetic clades to investigate their connectivity and stability. Founder effects or bottlenecks were rare at the northern range of the Ae. albopictus distribution in the northeastern USA, with populations displaying high levels of genetic diversity and connectivity along the East Coast. There is no evidence of population turnover in Connecticut during the course of three consecutive years, with consistent genetic structure throughout this period. Overall, these results support the presence of established populations of Ae. albopictus in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, successfully overwintering and migrating in large numbers. Given the stability and interconnectedness of these populations, Ae. albopictus has the potential to continue to proliferate and expand its range northward under mean warming conditions of climate change. Efforts to control Ae. albopictus in these areas should thus focus on vector suppression rather than eradication strategies, as local populations have become firmly established and are expected to reemerge every summer.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Nov 2022 20:07:18 +0200
Genetic divergence and aggressiveness within a supercolony of the invasive ant Linepithema humile https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/90852/ NeoBiota 77: 125-153

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.77.90852

Authors: Iago Sanmartín-Villar, Everton Cruz da Silva, Violette Chiara, Adolfo Cordero-Rivera, M. Olalla Lorenzo-Carballa

Abstract: Biological invasions constitute an opportunity to study the evolutionary processes behind species’ adaptations. The invasive potential of some species, like the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), has likely been increasing because they show low intraspecific competition. However, multiple introductions over time or genetic divergence could increase the probability of intraspecific competition, constituting barriers for their dispersal and thus, decreasing invasive success. Here, we studied the genetic and behavioural variability of L. humile workers collected at six locations on the NW coast of the Iberian Peninsula, a possible scenario for multiple introductions and population divergence, due to its high level of maritime traffic and complex coastal geography. We analysed behaviours related to spatial navigation (exploration, wall-following), resources acquisition, and competition (inter and intraspecific aggressiveness) through two relevant seasons for the nest ecology: spring and autumn. Genetic analyses using microsatellites indicated that the nests studied belonged to the most spread supercolony in South Europe. However, we identified the existence of two genetically differentiated clusters in Galiza. Lethal interactions were found between workers from different and similar genetic clusters, but a trend suggests higher agonistic behaviours between the two genetic groups. Genetic differences were positively correlated with the geographical distance, but aggressiveness was not correlated with any of them. Ants from each of the tested nests expressed different behaviours with high plasticity through time. Ants from all nests showed more exploration and aggressiveness, less wall-following and faster detection of food in autumn than in spring, with no intraspecific aggressiveness observed in spring. Our findings suggest competition between nests of the same supercolony and behavioural seasonal variability, supporting the hypothesis of divergent evolutionary processes. The results of our work question the assumed unity of supercolonies of this species and offer insights for understanding the future adaptation of L. humile in the introduced areas.

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Research Article Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:50:50 +0200
Invasive Drosophila suzukii outnumbers native controphics and causes substantial damage to fruits of forest plants https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/87319/ NeoBiota 77: 39-77

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.77.87319

Authors: Irene Bühlmann, Martin M. Gossner

Abstract: Impacts of biological invasions are diverse and can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major invasive pest of fruits, which negatively affects fruit and wine production. However, little is known about the ecological impact of this fly species on more natural ecosystems it has invaded, such as forests. In this study, we investigated the use of potential host plants by D. suzukii at 64 sites in different forest communities in Switzerland from mid-June to mid-October 2020. We examined more than 12,000 fruits for egg deposits of D. suzukii to assess its direct impact on the plants. We recorded symptoms of fruit decay after egg deposition to determine if D. suzukii attacks trigger fruit decay. In addition, we monitored the drosophilid fauna with cup traps baited with apple cider vinegar, as we expected that D. suzukii would outnumber and potentially outcompete native controphics, especially other drosophilids. Egg deposits of D. suzukii were found on the fruits of 31 of the 39 potential host plant species studied, with 18 species showing an attack rate > 50%. Overall, fruits of Cotoneaster divaricatus (96%), Atropa bella-donna (91%), Rubus fruticosus corylifolius aggr. (91%), Frangula alnus (85%) and Sambucus nigra (83%) were attacked particularly frequently, resulting also in high predicted attack probabilities that varied among forest communities. Later and longer fruiting, black fruit colour, larger fruit size and higher pulp pH all positively affected attack rates. More than 50% of the plant species showed severe symptoms of decay after egg deposition, with higher pulp sugar content leading to more severe symptoms. The high fruit attack rate observed was reflected in a high abundance and dominance of D. suzukii in trap catches, independent of forest community and elevation. Drosophila suzukii was by far the most abundant species, accounting for 86% (81,395 individuals) of all drosophilids. The abundance of D. suzukii was negatively associated with the abundance of the native drosophilids. Our results indicate that the invasive D. suzukii competes strongly with other frugivorous species and that its presence might have far-reaching ecosystem-level consequences. The rapid decay of fruits attacked by D. suzukii leads to a loss of resources and may disrupt seed-dispersal mutualisms through the reduced consumption of fruits by dispersers such as birds.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:12:58 +0300
Combining surveys and on-line searching volumes to analyze public awareness about invasive alien species: a case study with the invasive Asian yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in Italy https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/80359/ NeoBiota 73: 177-192

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.73.80359

Authors: Jacopo Cerri, Simone Lioy, Marco Porporato, Sandro Bertolino

Abstract: The Asian yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) has been invading Italy since 2013, and it was subjected to management programs to counter its spread and raise awareness about its impacts. We administered a questionnaire to a sample of 358 beekeepers in Italy, asking them about their sources of information on V. velutina and their perception of its potential impacts and severity, compared to other threats to beekeeping. We also explored Internet searching volumes on Google and Wikipedia about V. velutina, to identify seasonal and long-term trends in public awareness. Workshops, journals or bulletins, the Internet and word-of-mouth with colleagues were the primary sources of information about V. velutina. Internet searches peaked during the activity period of the species and increased over time, with thousands of visits to Wikipedia each month. Beekeepers believed V. velutina to affect beekeeping by predating on honey bees (Apis mellifera), paralyzing foraging, reducing honey availability and depleting the winter cluster. Moreover, V. velutina has been deemed a severe threat to beekeeping, similar to other threats like pesticides and the varroa mite (Varroa destructor). Our findings indicate that beekeepers seem to be aware of the potential impacts of V. velutina in Italy, both within and outside of its invaded area, considering it a major threat to beekeeping. Moreover, citizens seem to have become progressively curious about the species. Information campaigns on the Internet and specialized magazines might be helpful to communicate about the impacts of the species, and the need to develop diffused surveillance networks.

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Research Article Wed, 25 May 2022 12:37:57 +0300
Interaction effects of desiccation and temperature stress resistance across Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) developmental stages https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/76011/ NeoBiota 73: 87-108

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.73.76011

Authors: Onalethata Keosentse, Reyard Mutamiswa, Casper Nyamukondiwa

Abstract: Insects encounter multiple overlapping physiologically challenging environmental stressors in their habitats. As such, the ability of insects to withstand these stressors singly or interactively is fundamental in population persistence. Following its invasion in Africa, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has successfully established and spread in most parts of the continent. However, the mechanisms behind its successful survival across arid and semi-arid African environments are relatively unknown. Here, we investigated the water balance of S. frugiperda across its developmental stages. Given the relationships between desiccation stress, temperature stress and other life history traits in arid ecosystems, we also measured interaction effects across metrics of these traits. Specifically, we measured basal body water content (BWC), water loss rates (WLRs) and the effects of desiccation pre-treatment on critical thermal minimum (CTmin), critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and fecundity. Body water content and WLR increased with age across larval instars. However, the effects of desiccation environments on WLRs were more dramatic for 5th and 6th larval instars. The 5th and 6th instars exhibited highest BWC and magnitude of WLRs plastic responses following desiccation treatment. The effects of desiccation pre-treatment on temperature tolerance were less apparent, only significantly improving CTmin in 2nd and 3rd larval instars and reducing CTmax in 5th instars. In addition, desiccation pre-treatment showed no significant effects on fecundity. These results show that water balance traits differ with developmental stage, while the effects of desiccation pre-treatment were more dramatic and inconclusive. The differential desiccation resistance, high proportional BWC and no desiccation pre-treatment effects on fecundity may help the species survive in arid and semi-arid environments. This information provides insights into understanding S. frugiperda survival under desiccating arid and semi-arid tropical environments and is significant in predicting pest outbreaks.

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Research Article Mon, 16 May 2022 13:31:17 +0300
Early-phase colonisation by introduced sculptured resin bee (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae, Megachile sculpturalis) revealed by local floral resource variability https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/80343/ NeoBiota 73: 57-85

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.73.80343

Authors: Jovana Bila Dubaić, Milan Plećaš, Jovana Raičević, Julia Lanner, Aleksandar Ćetković

Abstract: There is a growing interest to document and better understand patterns and processes involved in non-native bee introductions and subsequent colonisation of new areas worldwide. We studied the spread of the East Asian bee Megachile sculpturalis in Serbia and south-eastern Europe; the bee was earlier established in the USA (since 1994) and western Europe (since 2008). Its establishment in Serbia remained dubious throughout most of 2017–2019, following its first detection. We hereby report on its establishment and spreading, which were corroborated in 2019 under specific circumstances. Owing to an exceptionally poor blooming of Styphnolobium japonicum in 2019, we recorded a high activity density of M. sculpturalis concentrated on a scarce key food resource. We present a novel quantitative approach for an improved early detection of M. sculpturalis, based on the interplay between the bee local occurrence pattern and dynamics of key food-plant(s) availability. This approach seems particularly effective during the early-phase colonisation, at initially low population density of introduced bees. We address the importance of integration of the genuine plant usage patterns with context-specific bee assessment options in establishing effective monitoring. The improved understanding of M. sculpturalis local dynamics triggered the questions about possible origin(s) and modes of its dispersal east of the Alps. To explore the possible scenarios of M. sculpturalis introduction(s), we extended the study to a wider spatio-temporal context – the region of SE Europe (2015–2019). The two complementary study approaches (at local and regional scale) provided more comprehensive evidence of bee dispersal history and the detection patterns in varied recording contexts. Based on this two-scale approach, we suggest that a diffusive mode of M. sculpturalis introduction into Serbia now seems to be a more plausible scenario (than a long-distance jump). We argue that the integration of outcomes from the contrasting approaches (a systematic surveillance, based on plant resources and a broad-scale opportunistic recording) could be of great methodological relevance for the development of future monitoring protocols.

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Research Article Wed, 11 May 2022 11:37:27 +0300
Demography of an invading forest insect reunited with hosts and parasitoids from its native range https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/75392/ NeoBiota 72: 81-107

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.72.75392

Authors: Flora E. Krivak-Tetley, Jenna Sullivan-Stack, Jeff R. Garnas, Kelley E. Zylstra, Lars-Olaf Höger, María J. Lombardero, Andrew M. Liebhold, Matthew P. Ayres

Abstract: The Sirex woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), a widespread invasive pest of pines in the Southern Hemisphere, was first detected in North America in 2004. This study assessed the impacts of life history traits, host resistance and species interactions on the demography of S. noctilio in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, then compared key metrics to those found in the native range in Galicia, Spain. Many trees naturally attacked by S. noctilio in North America produced no adult woodwasps, with 5 of 38 infested trees (13%) sampled across six sites yielding 64% of emerging insects. Reproductive success was highest in the introduced host scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, but native red pine, Pinus resinosa, produced larger insects. Sirex noctilio required one or sometimes two years to develop and sex ratios were male biased, 1:2.98 ♀:♂. Body size and fecundity were highly variable, but generally lower than observed in non-native populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Hymenopteran parasitoids killed approximately 20% of S. noctilio larvae and 63% of emerging adults were colonized by the parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola, although no nematodes entered eggs. Demographic models suggested that S. noctilio in the northeastern USA have a higher potential for population growth than populations in the native range: estimated finite factor of increase, λ, was 4.17–4.52 (depending on tree species colonized), compared to λ = 1.57 in Spain.

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Research Article Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:10:06 +0200
Mate choice errors may contribute to slow spread of an invasive Eurasian longhorn beetle in North America https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/72843/ NeoBiota 71: 71-89

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.71.72843

Authors: Jennifer L. Anderson, Stephen B. Heard, Jon Sweeney, Deepa S. Pureswaran

Abstract: Tetropium fuscum (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a Eurasian longhorn beetle and forest pest that first became invasive to Nova Scotia, Canada around 1990. In the time since its introduction, T. fuscum has spread only about 150 km from its point of introduction. In its invasive range, T. fuscum co-exists with its congener Tetropium cinnamopterum. Although they are ecologically similar species, T. fuscum tends to infest healthier trees and has a smaller host range than T. cinnamopterum. If they successfully interbreed, this could lead to hybrid individuals that are more problematic than either parent species. On the other hand, if T. fuscum can make mating errors in the field, but is not producing hybrid offspring, then this waste of mating resources could help explain the slow spread of T. fuscum in North America. We conducted no-choice and choice mating experiments between T. fuscum and T. cinnamopterum males and females and determined that both T. fuscum and T. cinnamopterum males make mate-choice errors with heterospecific females in a laboratory setting. Our results suggest that mating errors may play a role in the slow spread of T. fuscum in North America.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:46:46 +0200
Establishment and new hosts of the non-native seed beetle Stator limbatus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) on acacias in Europe https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/70441/ NeoBiota 70: 167-192

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.70.70441

Authors: Arturo Cocco, Giuseppe Brundu, Cyril Berquier, Marie Cécile Andreï-Ruiz, Michelina Pusceddu, Marco Porceddu, Lina Podda, Alberto Satta, Yohan Petit, Ignazio Floris

Abstract: Stator limbatus is a phytophagous beetle native to warm regions of North and Central America, feeding on Fabaceae seeds and one of the most polyphagous species within the subfamily Bruchinae, here reported for the first time in Europe and on new hosts. Adult beetles emerged from Acacia spp. seeds collected in the islands of Corsica (France), and Sardinia (Italy). The wide presence in Sardinia and Corsica supports the hypothesis that this alien species was introduced several years ago. In both islands, S. limbatus emerged from Acacia mearnsii seeds, with infestation rates of up to 74.2 and 90.8% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This seed beetle also emerged from two previously unreported host species, Acacia saligna and A. pycnantha, showing highest infestation rates of 4.0 and 95.1%, respectively. Both Acacia species are reported as new host associations with S. limbatus. Overall, seed infestation rates recorded in 2019 and 2020 indicate that S. limbatus is well established and that Mediterranean bioclimatic conditions are suitable for its population increase in size. This study lays the foundations for further research on known and potential host species and the spread and distribution of S. limbatus in Europe.

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Research Article Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:02:16 +0200
Spatial dynamics of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, invasion of the Northeastern United States https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/67950/ NeoBiota 70: 23-42

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.70.67950

Authors: Rachel T. Cook, Samuel F. Ward, Andrew M. Liebhold, Songlin Fei

Abstract: Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a non-native planthopper that recently established in the Northeastern United States. Little is known about the spatial dynamics of its invasion and key drivers associated with its regional spread. Here, using field survey data from a total of 241,366 survey locations from 2014–2019 in the eastern USA, we quantified rates of SLF spread and modeled factors associated with the risk of SLF invasion. During the study period, SLF invasion appears to be associated with both short- and long-distance dispersal. On average, the number of newly invaded counties per year increased since initial discovery, with 0–14 long-distance dispersal events per year and median jump distances ranging from 55 to 92 km/year throughout the study period. Radial rates of spread, based on two of the three analysis methods applied, varied from 38.6 to 46.2 km/year. A Cox proportional hazards model suggested that risk of SLF invasion increased with a proxy for human-aided dispersal, human population per county. We anticipate that SLF will continue to spread via both long- and short-distance dispersals, especially via human activities. Efforts to manage SLF populations potentially could target human-mediated movement of SLF to reduce rates of spread.

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Research Article Mon, 6 Dec 2021 10:48:48 +0200
Invasive hornets on the road: motorway-driven dispersal must be considered in management plans of Vespa velutina https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/71352/ NeoBiota 69: 177-198

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.69.71352

Authors: Maria João Verdasca, Hugo Rebelo, Luísa G. Carvalheiro, Rui Rebelo

Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms that potentiate the dispersion of an invasive species is essential to anticipate its arrival into new regions and to develop adequate management actions to minimize damage to biodiversity and society. One of the most successful invaders in Europe, the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), is dispersing through self-diffusion and jump dispersal. Using information on species occurrence in Portugal from 2013 to 2018, this study aimed to understand the range expansion trajectory of V. velutina and to identify the role of climate, landscape and anthropogenic variables on the two mechanisms of spread. We found that in Portugal the invasion is proceeding faster southwards (45 km/year) along the Atlantic coast than eastwards (20 km/year) where the climatic suitability gradient is more compressed, with jump dispersal playing an important role in this difference and in the acceleration of the invasion process. Dispersal by diffusion was best explained by the annual range of temperature and precipitation of the wettest month, with distance to shrub land also having an important role. Additionally, jump dispersal appeared to be facilitated by motorways, hinting at the role of human-mediated dispersal. Indeed, the number of nests that resulted from this dispersive mechanism were significantly closer to motorways than expected by chance. To prevent the dispersal of V. velutina into Mediterranean regions, and in addition to a special attention to the advancing front, early monitoring programs should also target a buffer zone on both sides of motorways, and at freight shipping hubs.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:18:46 +0200
Non-native plant drives the spatial dynamics of its herbivores: the case of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in Europe https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/71949/ NeoBiota 69: 155-175

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.69.71949

Authors: Richard Mally, Samuel F. Ward, Jiří Trombik, Jaroslaw Buszko, Vladimír Medzihorský, Andrew M. Liebhold

Abstract: Non-native plants typically benefit from enemy release following their naturalization in non-native habitats. However, over time, herbivorous insects specializing on such plants may invade from the native range and thereby diminish the benefits of enemy release that these plants may experience. In this study, we compare rates of invasion spread across Europe of three North American insect folivores: the Lepidoptera leaf miners Macrosaccus robiniella and Parectopa robiniella, and the gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae, that specialize on Robinia pseudoacacia. This tree species is one of the most widespread non-native trees in Europe. We find that spread rates vary among the three species and that some of this variation can be explained by differences in their life history traits. We also report that geographical variation in spread rates are influenced by distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia, human population and temperature, though Robinia pseudoacacia occurrence had the greatest influence. The importance of host tree occurrence on invasion speed can be explained by the general importance of hosts on the population growth and spread of invading species.

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Research Article Tue, 9 Nov 2021 13:01:27 +0200
Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in its invasive range in Europe: perception, knowledge and willingness to act in foresters and citizens https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/71851/ NeoBiota 69: 133-153

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.69.71851

Authors: Flavius Bălăcenoiu, Anže Japelj, Iris Bernardinelli, Bastien Castagneyrol, György Csóka, Milka Glavendekić, Gernot Hoch, Boris Hrašovec, Silvija Krajter Ostoic, Marton Paulin, David Williams, Johan Witters, Maarten de Groot

Abstract: The oak lace bug (OLB) Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) is an invasive alien species (IAS) that potentially could have many negative impacts on European oak health. Certain measures can be applied to counteract these effects. However, these measures may not be acceptable for forest managers or other stakeholder groups, such as private forest owners, environmental NGOs or the general public. Thereby, we set out to study the perception and knowledge of foresters and other stakeholders on the health status of European oak forests affected by oak lace bug and to investigate what forest health management measures would be acceptable to these target groups. An online survey questionnaire was designed and distributed via social networks, as well as professional networks via e-mails. The survey questionnaire was completed by 2084 respondents from nine European countries: Austria, Croatia, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. Even though only a little over 60% of respondents reported they had noticed the discolouration of oak leaves caused by OLB, almost all (93%) considered it to be a problem. As respondents come from a country where C. arcuata is widespread and established, people’s general knowledge and awareness of OLB began to increase. The survey revealed that foresters thought that the insect affected photosynthesis, acorn crop and the aesthetics of the trees, but cannot cause death of trees. However, they assume that the value of the wood would decrease (this fact is also supported by the respondents who are connected to an environmental NGO), but that OLB does not affect property value. However, forest owners claim that the value of the property can be affected and that people would avoid entering the forest. In terms of potential control methods, respondents preferred biological or mechanical measures over chemical ones. We consider this study to be a good basis for further research on the topic of perception, knowledge and attitudes related to OLB since we can expect that the IAS, such as OLB, will certainly spread to European countries that were not included in this survey.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:23:08 +0300
Farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in Manica province, Mozambique https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/62844/ NeoBiota 68: 127-143

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.68.62844

Authors: Albasini Caniço, António Mexia, Luisa Santos

Abstract: This study aimed to gather information about farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of the newly introduced insect pest, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica province, Mozambique. A total of 200 smallholder farmers with experience in maize cultivation were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted between May and August 2019 in four districts: Macate, Manica, Sussundenga and Vanduzi. Most farmers were unable to morphologically identify fall armyworm (FAW) (from 93.9% in Vanduzi to 98.0% in Manica). Most farmers have experienced FAW damage in their farms (from 92% in Macate to 98.0% in Manica). Maize is mostly planted in October and November (from 44.0% in Sussundenga to 60.0% of farmers in Manica), but the highest infestation period is believed to be between November and February. With the exception of Vanduzi where 65.3% of farmers apply insecticides, most farmers in other districts do not use any method to control FAW (from 60.8% in Macate to 88.0% in Manica and Sussundenga respectively). Among those applying insecticides, from 65.0% in Manica to 75.0% in Vanduzi have confidence in the efficiency of the insecticides being used against FAW. Most farmers reported an increase in the spread of FAW. The lack of financial resources is reported as the main constraint in the fight against FAW. This study is the first of its nature in the province of Manica and provides valuable information that may support extension services and researchers when designing FAW management options for local smallholder farmers.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:05:54 +0300
Diversity and distribution of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) haplotypes of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae), along the eastern front of its invasive range in Eurasia https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/68915/ NeoBiota 68: 53-77

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.68.68915

Authors: Tara D. Gariepy, Dmitry L. Musolin, Aleksandra Konjević, Natalia N. Karpun, Vilena Y. Zakharchenko, Elena N. Zhuravleva, Luciana Tavella, Allison Bruin, Tim Haye

Abstract: The arrival, establishment and pest status of Halyomorpha halys in Europe and non-native countries in Asia have been well-documented, with thorough characterisation of the genetic diversity and occurrence of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) haplotypes in Switzerland, France, Hungary, Italy and Greece. However, a number of gaps exist in terms of the characterisation of the haplotype diversity and occurrence of H. halys along the invasion front that covers eastern Europe, western and central Asia. To contribute towards filling this gap, the COI haplotype diversity and distribution were investigated for H. halys collected in Serbia, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Kazakhstan. A total of 646 specimens were analysed and five haplotypes were found (H1, H3, H8, H33 and H80). Haplotype H1 was present in all five countries investigated and was the only haplotype detected amongst > 500 specimens collected from Ukraine, Russia and Georgia. H1 (82%) was the dominant haplotype found in Kazakhstan, alongside H3 (18%). In contrast to the low or no diversity observed in these four countries, Serbia had higher haplotype diversity and was represented by five haplotypes. Although H3 was dominant (47%) in Serbia, H1 was also prevalent (40%); the remaining haplotypes (H8, H33 and H80) were minor contributors (1–11%) to the haplotype composition. The results are discussed in context with other known populations in neighbouring countries and patterns of haplotype diversity indicate the movement of successful invasive populations in Europe to generate secondary invasions along the eastern front of the invasion in Eurasia. Possible scenarios regarding the spread of particular haplotypes in these regions are discussed, along with suggestions for future research to fill existing gaps.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:51:55 +0300
Detailed assessment of the reported economic costs of invasive species in Australia https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/58834/ NeoBiota 67: 511-550

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.67.58834

Authors: Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Andrew J. Hoskins, Phillip J. Haubrock, Ross N. Cuthbert, Christophe Diagne, Boris Leroy, Lindell Andrews, Brad Page, Phill Cassey, Andy W. Sheppard, Franck Courchamp

Abstract: The legacy of deliberate and accidental introductions of invasive alien species to Australia has had a hefty economic toll, yet quantifying the magnitude of the costs associated with direct loss and damage, as well as for management interventions, remains elusive. This is because the reliability of cost estimates and under-sampling have not been determined. We provide the first detailed analysis of the reported costs associated with invasive species to the Australian economy since the 1960s, based on the recently published InvaCost database and supplementary information, for a total of 2078 unique cost entries. Since the 1960s, Australia has spent or incurred losses totalling at least US$298.58 billion (2017 value) or AU$389.59 billion (2017 average exchange rate) from invasive species. However, this is an underestimate given that costs rise as the number of estimates increases following a power law. There was an average 1.8–6.3-fold increase in the total costs per decade since the 1970s to the present, producing estimated costs of US$6.09–57.91 billion year-1 (all costs combined) or US$225.31 million–6.84 billion year-1 (observed, highly reliable costs only). Costs arising from plant species were the highest among kingdoms (US$151.68 billion), although most of the costs were not attributable to single species. Of the identified weedy species, the costliest were annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) and ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). The four costliest classes were mammals (US$48.63 billion), insects (US$11.95 billion), eudicots (US$4.10 billion) and monocots (US$1.92 billion). The three costliest species were all animals – cats (Felis catus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Each State/Territory had a different suite of major costs by species, but with most (3–62%) costs derived from one to three species per political unit. Most (61%) of the reported costs applied to multiple environments and 73% of the total pertained to direct damage or loss compared to management costs only, with both of these findings reflecting the availability of data. Rising incursions of invasive species will continue to have substantial costs for the Australian economy, but with better investment, standardised assessments and reporting and coordinated interventions (including eradications), some of these costs could be substantially reduced.

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Research Article Thu, 29 Jul 2021 18:55:20 +0300
Alleles and algorithms: The role of genetic analyses and remote sensing technology in an ant eradication program https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/64523/ NeoBiota 66: 55-73

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.66.64523

Authors: Ross Wylie, Jane Oakey, Elizabeth R. Williams

Abstract: Eradication programs for invasive ants are often hampered by a lack of effective tools to detect, contain and kill the pests. Among the range of tools employed in the course of a 20-year eradication program for red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in Australia, two of the most crucial for success are genetic analysis at both individual colony and population scales, and remote sensing for the detection of S. invicta mounds over large areas. Several genetic analyses are used by the program as an everyday operational tool to guide the eradication effort; for example, genotyping of the social form determines where and how far we need to search and treat, whereas nest relatedness derived from microsatellites aids in deciding when and where to target investigations into human-assisted movement of the pest. Microsatellite genotyping can determine the origin of new invasions into the country and has been used to verify the eradication of six distinct incursions of S. invicta in Australia, as well as demonstrating the pressure being exerted on the remaining Queensland population by the current eradication activities. Remote sensing played a key role in delimiting the extent of the S. invicta infestation in southeast Queensland in 2015, and in the future will assist in both delimitation and in verifying eradication of this ant in treatment areas as part of the proof of freedom process. Unquestionably, without these tools, the battle to eradicate S. invicta from Australia would be severely constrained, if not lost. These technologies may be applicable in management or eradication programs for S. invicta worldwide, and potentially for other invasive ant species.

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Discussion Paper Thu, 8 Jul 2021 17:21:22 +0300
Classical biological control against insect pests in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East: What influences its success? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/66276/ NeoBiota 65: 169-191

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.65.66276

Authors: M. Lukas Seehausen, Catarina Afonso, Hervé Jactel, Marc Kenis

Abstract: Many factors can affect the success and failure of classical biological control. However, these factors have mainly been studied independently of each other, which leaves their relative importance within the complexity of classical biological control (CBC) programmes unknown. Therefore, we set out to take a more holistic view on the factors that may impact the outcome of CBC of insect pests by insect predators and parasitoids. To this end, we filtered the BIOCAT catalogue to extract entries for the Greater Western Palearctic ecozone and added 15 new explanatory variables. These mainly concerned traits of released biological control agents, target pests, and host plants of the target, but also included the number of introductions for specific agent-target combinations as a management aspect. We then analysed the data regarding three levels of success: agent establishment, impact on the target population, and complete control of the target. Between 1890 and 2010 a total of 780 introductions of insects for biological control were undertaken in the analysed area, constituting 416 agent-target combinations. Overall success of agent establishment was 32%, successful impact of single agents on their target was 18%, and success of complete control was 11%. The number of factors significantly influencing the outcome of CBC decreased with increasing level of success. Remarkably few agent-related factors influenced the success: insect predators as agents decreased the probability of establishment and using oligophagous parasitoids significantly decreased the chances of complete control. Other significant factors were related to traits of target pests or their host plants. For example, sap feeders and target pests attacking reproductive plant parts were more likely to be successfully controlled. The rate of success increased with the number of introductions of CBC agents, in particular against univoltine target pests. These findings suggest that a focus on agent-related traits to increase the chances of successful CBC is not fully justified and should be complemented with the consideration of lower trophic levels and other aspects of CBC, such as abiotic factors and management.

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Research Article Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:55:40 +0300
Revisiting the non-native insect fauna of Greece: Current trends and an updated checklist https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/64686/ NeoBiota 65: 93-108

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.65.64686

Authors: Jakovos Demetriou, Konstantinos Kalaentzis, Christos Kazilas, Evangelos Koutsoukos, Dimitrios N. Avtzis, Christos Georgiadis

Abstract: Alien invasive species not only have adverse environmental impacts, they may also pose socioeconomic and human health threats. The increase in detected non-native (alien) and cryptogenic species, followed by the necessity for up-to-date scientific information on biological invasions, prompted a thorough literature investigation on the non-native entomofauna of Greece. Supplementing previous studies concerning Europe and Greece, a checklist for the non-native insect species of the country is provided, while their number is elevated from 266 to 469. Current trends regarding species richness and taxonomy, deliberate or accidental means of introduction, as well as their native range and trophic preferences are analysed and discussed. This publication illustrates the current state of non-native insects of Greece, highlighting the need for an effective early warning system integrated in national phytosanitary legislation, survey protocols and strategies towards the eradication and mitigation of their detrimental impacts.

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Review Article Fri, 28 May 2021 14:39:55 +0300
Urban host plant utilisation by the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in northern Utah https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/60050/ NeoBiota 64: 87-101

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.64.60050

Authors: Mark Cody Holthouse, Lori R. Spears, Diane G. Alston

Abstract: The invasive and highly polyphagous brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a severe agricultural and urban nuisance pest in North America. Since its initial invasion into Utah in 2012, H. halys has become well established in urban and suburban locations along the western foothills of the Wasatch Front in northern Utah. Bordering the Great Basin Desert, this area is unique from other North American locations with H. halys due to its high elevation (> 1200 m), aridity (30-year mean RH = 53.1%; dew point = -1.9 °C) and extreme temperatures (the 30-year mean minimum and maximum in January and July in Salt Lake City range from -3.1 to 3.6 °C and 20.3 to 32.4 °C, respectively). To document which plant species harbour H. halys, surveys were conducted in 17 urban/suburban sites in four counties during 2017 and 2018. Halyomorpha halys was more abundant in Salt Lake and Utah counties than in the more northern counties of Davis and Weber and was found on 53 plant species, nine of which hosted two or more developmental stages in both years. The majority of hosts were in the families Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Sapindaceae. Northern catalpa, Catalpa speciosa (Warder), was the most consistent host, supporting a majority of H. halys detections in all life stages; thus we identify it as a sentinel host. Twenty-nine species were novel hosts for H. halys in North America; of these, Acer ginnala Maxim, Populus tremuloides Michx., Prunus armeniaca × domestica ‘Flavor King’ and Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’ were detected with two or more life stages of H. halys in both years. Peak populations of H. halys occurred from mid-June to mid-September. We describe H. halys plant utilisation by life stage and seasonal period to aid future detection and management of this invasive insect in the greater Intermountain West region.

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Research Article Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:29:01 +0200
Border interceptions of forest insects established in Australia: intercepted invaders travel early and often https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/60424/ NeoBiota 64: 69-86

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.64.60424

Authors: Helen F. Nahrung, Angus J. Carnegie

Abstract: Invasive forest insects continue to accumulate in Australia (and worldwide) and cause significant impacts through costs of prevention, eradication and management, and through productivity losses and environmental and biodiversity decline. We used our recent non-native Australian forest insect species inventory to analyse border interception rates (2003–2016) of established species, and link interception frequencies with biological traits, historical establishment patterns, commodities and countries of origin. The strongest predictor of interception frequency was year of establishment. Polyphagous species were more likely to be intercepted, as were more concealed species, although this latter likely reflects the higher interceptions of bostrichid borers and other wood-boring Coleoptera relative to other taxa. Interceptions occurred more often for species native to Asia; in contrast, interceptions from other regions were more likely to be of species invasive there. While interception frequencies did not provide a good overall indicator of contemporaneous species establishments, wood and bark borers were more closely linked for establishments and interceptions. The first fifty forest insect species to establish comprised 85% of all border interceptions of established species between 2003 and 2016, while the most-recent fifty species represented just 6% of interceptions. We suggest that early-establishing species are among the “super-invaders” that continue to move globally, while more recent invasive species may be exploiting new trade pathways, new commodity associations, or changes in dynamics in their countries of origin.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Jan 2021 09:33:12 +0200
Native and non-native sources of carbohydrate correlate with abundance of an invasive ant https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/57925/ NeoBiota 63: 155-175

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.63.57925

Authors: Lori Lach, Benjamin D. Hoffmann, Melinda L. Moir

Abstract: Invasive species threaten many ecological communities and predicting which communities and sites are invasible remains a key goal of invasion ecology. Although invasive ants often reach high abundances in association with plant-based carbohydrate resources, the source and provenance of these resources are rarely investigated. We characterized carbohydrate resources across ten sites with a range of yellow crazy ant abundance in Arnhem Land, Australia and New Caledonia to determine whether yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) abundance and trophic position correlate with carbohydrate availability, as well as the relative importance of native and non-native sources of carbohydrates to ant diet. In both locations, measures of yellow crazy ant abundance strongly positively correlated with carbohydrate availability, particularly honeydew production, the number of tended hemipterans, and the number of plants with tended hemipterans. In Arnhem Land, 99.6% of honeydew came from native species, whereas in New Caledonia, only 0.2% of honeydew was produced by a native hemipteran. More honeydew was available in Australia due to three common large-bodied species of Auchenorrhyncha honeydew producers (treehoppers and leafhoppers). Yellow crazy ant trophic position declined with increasing yellow crazy ant abundance indicating that in greater densities the ants are obtaining more of their diet from plant-derived resources, including honeydew and extrafloral nectar. The relationships between yellow crazy ant abundance and carbohydrate availability could not be explained by any of the key environmental variables we measured at our study sites. Our results demonstrate that the positive correlation between yellow crazy ant abundance and honeydew production is not contingent upon the provenance of the hemipterans. Native sources of carbohydrate may play an underappreciated role in greatly increasing community invasibility by ants.

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Research Article Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:05:33 +0200
A molecular approach to study Hymenoptera diets using wasp nests https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/58640/ NeoBiota 63: 57-79

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.63.58640

Authors: Marie-Caroline Lefort, Jacqueline R. Beggs, Travis R. Glare, Thomas E. Saunders, Erin J. Doyle, Stéphane Boyer

Abstract: The study of animal diets has benefited from the rise of high-throughput DNA sequencing applied to stomach content or faecal samples. The latter can be fresh samples used to describe recent meals or older samples, which can provide information about past feeding activities. For most invertebrates, however, it is difficult to access ‘historical’ samples, due to the small size of the animals and the absence of permanent defecation sites. Therefore, sampling must be repeated to account for seasonal variation and to capture the overall diet of a species. This study develops a method to describe the overall diet of nest-building Hymenoptera, based on a single sampling event, by analysing prey DNA from faeces accumulated in brood cells. We collected 48 nests from two species of introduced paper wasps (Polistes chinensis Fabricius and P. humilis Fabricius) in the urban and peri-urban areas of Auckland, New Zealand and selected two samples per nest. One from brood cells in the outer layer of the nest to represent the most recent diet and one from brood cells in an inner layer to represent older diet. Diet differed between species, although both fed mainly on Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera and Acariformes. Prey taxa identified to species level included both agricultural pests and native species. Prey communities consumed were significantly different between inner and outer nest samples, suggesting seasonal variation in prey availability and/or a diversification of the wasps’ diet as the colony grows. We also show for the first time potential predation of marine organisms by Polistes wasps. Our study provides field evidence that Polistes wasps feed on agricultural pests, supporting the hypothesis that some social wasp species could have a suppressing effect on agricultural pests. The proposed methodology is readily applicable to other nest-building Hymenoptera and has the potential to provide comprehensive knowledge about their diet with minimum sampling effort. Such knowledge is essential to measure the ecological impact of invasive Vespidae and support the conservation of native invertebrate biodiversity.

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Methods Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:25:41 +0200
Predicting the invasion range for a highly polyphagous and widespread forest herbivore https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/53550/ NeoBiota 59: 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.59.53550

Authors: Laura M. Blackburn, Joseph S. Elkinton, Nathan P. Havill, Hannah J. Broadley, Jeremy C. Andersen, Andrew M. Liebhold

Abstract: Here we compare the environmental niche of a highly polyphagous forest Lepidoptera species, the winter moth (Operophtera brumata), in its native and invaded range. During the last 90 years, this European tree folivore has invaded North America in at least three regions and exhibited eruptive population behavior in both its native and invaded range. Despite its importance as both a forest and agricultural pest, neither the potential extent of this species’ invaded range nor the geographic source of invading populations from its native range are known. Here we fit a climatic niche model, based on the MaxEnt algorithm, to historical records of winter moth occurrence in its native range and compare predictions of suitable distributions to records from the invaded range. We modeled this distribution using three spatial bins to overcome sampling bias for data obtained from public databases and averaged the multi-continental suitable habitat prediction. Results indicate that this species is distributed across a wide range of climates in its native range but occupies a narrower range in its invaded habitat. Furthermore, the lack of a close fit between climatic conditions in parts of its invaded range and its known native range suggests the possibility that this species has adapted to new climatic conditions during the invasion process. These models can be used to predict suitable habitats for winter moth invasions worldwide and to gain insight into possible origins of North American populations.

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Research Article Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:57:12 +0300
The economic cost of control of the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/38550/ NeoBiota 55: 11-25

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.55.38550

Authors: Morgane Barbet-Massin, Jean-Michel Salles, Franck Courchamp

Abstract: Since its accidental introduction in 2003 in France, the yellow-legged Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax is rapidly spreading through France and Europe. Economic assessments regarding the costs of invasive species often reveal important costs from required control measures or damages. Despite the rapid invasion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet in Europe and potential damage to apiculture and pollination services, the costs of its invasion have not been evaluated yet. Here we aimed at studying the costs arising from the Asian yellow-legged hornet invasion by providing the first estimate of the control cost. Today, the invasion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet is mostly controlled by nest destruction. We estimated that nest destruction cost €23 million between 2006 and 2015 in France. The yearly cost is increasing as the species keeps spreading and could reach €11.9 million in France, €9.0 million in Italy and €8.6 million in the United Kingdom if the species fills its current climatically suitable distribution. Although more work will be needed to estimate the cost of the Asian yellow-legged hornet on apiculture and pollination services, they likely exceed the current costs of control with nest destruction. It could thus be worth increasing control efforts by aiming at destroying a higher percentage of nests.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Apr 2020 13:56:09 +0300
The impact is in the details: evaluating a standardized protocol and scale for determining non-native insect impact https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/38981/ NeoBiota 55: 61-83

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.55.38981

Authors: Ashley N. Schulz, Angela M. Mech, Craig R. Allen, Matthew P. Ayres, Kamal J. K. Gandhi, Jessica Gurevitch, Nathan P. Havill, Daniel A. Herms, Ruth A. Hufbauer, Andrew M. Liebhold, Kenneth F. Raffa, Michael J. Raupp, Kathryn A. Thomas, Patrick C. Tobin, Travis D. Marsico

Abstract: Assessing the ecological and economic impacts of non-native species is crucial to providing managers and policymakers with the information necessary to respond effectively. Most non-native species have minimal impacts on the environment in which they are introduced, but a small fraction are highly deleterious. The definition of ‘damaging’ or ‘high-impact’ varies based on the factors determined to be valuable by an individual or group, but interpretations of whether non-native species meet particular definitions can be influenced by the interpreter’s bias or level of expertise, or lack of group consensus. Uncertainty or disagreement about an impact classification may delay or otherwise adversely affect policymaking on management strategies. One way to prevent these issues would be to have a detailed, nine-point impact scale that would leave little room for interpretation and then divide the scale into agreed upon categories, such as low, medium, and high impact. Following a previously conducted, exhaustive search regarding non-native, conifer-specialist insects, the authors independently read the same sources and scored the impact of 41 conifer-specialist insects to determine if any variation among assessors existed when using a detailed impact scale. Each of the authors, who were selected to participate in the working group associated with this study because of their diverse backgrounds, also provided their level of expertise and uncertainty for each insect evaluated. We observed 85% congruence in impact rating among assessors, with 27% of the insects having perfect inter-rater agreement. Variance in assessment peaked in insects with a moderate impact level, perhaps due to ambiguous information or prior assessor perceptions of these specific insect species. The authors also participated in a joint fact-finding discussion of two insects with the most divergent impact scores to isolate potential sources of variation in assessor impact scores. We identified four themes that could be experienced by impact assessors: ambiguous information, discounted details, observed versus potential impact, and prior knowledge. To improve consistency in impact decision-making, we encourage groups to establish a detailed scale that would allow all observed and published impacts to fall under a particular score, provide clear, reproducible guidelines and training, and use consensus-building techniques when necessary.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Apr 2020 11:24:52 +0300
Ant interceptions reveal roles of transport and commodity in identifying biosecurity risk pathways into Australia https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/39463/ NeoBiota 53: 1-24

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.53.39463

Authors: Elissa L. Suhr, Dennis J. O'Dowd, Andrew V. Suarez, Phillip Cassey, Talia A. Wittmann, Joshua V. Ross, Robert C. Cope

Abstract: We obtained 14,140 interception records of ants arriving in Australia between 1986 and 2010 to examine taxonomic and biogeographic patterns of invasion. We also evaluated how trade and transport data influenced interception rates, the identity of species being transported, the commerce most associated with the transport of ants, and which countries are the primary sources for ants arriving in Australia. The majority of ant interceptions, accounting for 48% of interceptions, were from Asia and Oceania. The top commodities associated with ant interceptions were: (1) Live trees, plants, cut flowers; (2) Wood and wood products; (3) Edible vegetables; and (4) Edible fruit and nuts. The best fitting model for predicting ant interceptions included volumes for these four commodities, as well as total trade value, transport volume, and geographic distance (with increased distance decreasing predicted ant interceptions). Intercepted ants identified to species consisted of a combination of species native to Australia, introduced species already established in Australia, and species not yet known to be established. 82% of interceptions identified to species level were of species already known to be established in Australia with Paratrechina longicornis having the most records. These data provide key biogeographic insight into the overlooked transport stage of the invasion process. Given the difficult nature of eradication, once an ant species is firmly established, focusing on early detection and quarantine is key for reducing the establishment of new invasions.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Nov 2019 10:46:44 +0200
Using verified citizen science as a tool for monitoring the European hornet (Vespa crabro) in the island of Sardinia (Italy) https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/37587/ NeoBiota 50: 97-108

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.50.37587

Authors: Michelina Pusceddu, Ignazio Floris, Roberto Mannu, Arturo Cocco, Alberto Satta

Abstract: The European hornet, Vespa crabro L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is a eusocial insect native to Eurasia that was accidentally introduced in the island of Sardinia (Italy) in 2010. This alien generalist predator could impact on native insect species through predation or competition by modifying interspecific relations in sensitive island ecosystems. As part of the Interreg project ALIEM, the present work regarded the first monitoring activity of the European hornet conducted in Sardinia by means of verified citizen science. The main goals of this study were to define the distribution area of the wasp in 2018 and evaluate the profile and the performance of citizen scientists. Our results showed that V. crabro is mainly located in north-eastern Sardinia and that the hotspot was probably the commercial port of Olbia. Furthermore, data provided by contributors were very accurate and none of the parameters considered to define the participants (age, gender, education level, job category) was a true predictor of a volunteer’s ability to recognise the wasp. In conclusion, this small-scale study suggests that citizen scientists could be a valuable aid to monitor already-established alien species and could be part of a surveillance network for early detection of other potentially invasive alien species not yet introduced in Sardinia, such as the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, which is already present in northern Italy.

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Research Article Wed, 2 Oct 2019 08:12:37 +0300
Native and introduced Argentine ant populations are characterised by distinct transcriptomic signatures associated with behaviour and immunity https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/36086/ NeoBiota 49: 105-126

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.49.36086

Authors: Antoine Felden, Carolina Paris, David G. Chapple, Andrew V. Suarez, Neil D. Tsutsui, Philip J. Lester, Monica A. M. Gruber

Abstract: Biological invasions can be influenced by trait variation in the invader, such as behavioural traits and ecological factors, such as variation in pathogen pressure. High-throughput nucleotide sequencing has increased our capacity to investigate the genomic basis of the functional changes associated with biological invasions. Here, we used RNA-sequencing in Argentina and California, Australia and New Zealand to investigate if native and introduced Argentine ant populations were characterised by distinct transcriptomic signatures. We focused our analysis on viral pressure and immunity, as well as genes associated with biogenic amines known to modulate key behaviour in social insects. Using a combination of differential expression analysis, gene co-expression network analysis and candidate gene approach, we show that native and introduced populations have distinct transcriptomic signatures. Genes associated with biogenic amines were overall up-regulated in the native range compared to introduced populations. Although we found no significant variation in overall viral loads amongst regions for viruses known to infect Argentine ants, viral diversity was lower in most of the introduced range which was interestingly associated with down-regulation of the RNAi immune pathway, primarily directed against viruses. Altogether, our data show that Argentine ant populations exhibit range-specific transcriptomic signatures, perhaps reflecting regional adaptations that may contribute to the ecological success of introduced populations.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:30:48 +0300
Establishing surveillance areas for tackling the invasion of Vespa velutina in outbreaks and over the border of its expanding range https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/33099/ NeoBiota 46: 51-69

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.46.33099

Authors: Simone Lioy, Aulo Manino, Marco Porporato, Daniela Laurino, Andrea Romano, Michela Capello, Sandro Bertolino

Abstract: The yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina is an invasive alien species in many areas of the world. In Europe, it is considered a species of Union concern and national authorities have to establish surveillance plans, early warning and rapid response systems or control plans. These strategies customarily require the assessment of the areas that could be colonised beyond outbreaks or expanding ranges, so as to establish efficient containment protocols. The hornet is spreading through a mix of natural diffusion and human-mediated transportation. Despite the latter dispersion mode is hardly predictable, natural diffusion could be modelled from nest data of consecutive years. The aim of this work is to develop a procedure to predict the spread of the yellow-legged hornet in the short term in order to increase the efficiency of control plans to restrain the diffusion of this species. We used data on the mean distances of colonial nests between years to evaluate the probability of yellow-legged hornet dispersal around the areas where the species is present. The distribution of nests in Italy was mainly explained by elevation (95% of nests located within 521 m a.s.l.) and distance from source sites (previous years’ colonies; 95% within 1.4–6.2 km). The diffusion models developed with these two variables forecast, with good accuracy, the spread of the species in the short term: 98–100% of nests were found within the predicted area of expansion. A similar approach can be applied in areas invaded by the yellow-legged hornet, in particular beyond new outbreaks and over the border of its expanding range, to implement strategies for its containment. The spatial application of the models allows the establishment of buffer areas where monitoring and control efforts can be allocated on the basis of the likelihood of the species spreading at progressively greater distances.

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Research Article Tue, 14 May 2019 12:29:54 +0300
Efficacy of Kamona strain Deladenus siricidicola nematodes for biological control of Sirex noctilio in North America and hybridisation with invasive conspecifics https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/30402/ NeoBiota 44: 39-55

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.44.30402

Authors: Tonya D. Bittner, Nathan Havill, Isis A.L. Caetano, Ann E. Hajek

Abstract: Sirex noctilio is an invasive woodwasp that, along with its symbiotic fungus, has killed pine trees (Pinus spp.) in North America and in numerous countries in the Southern Hemisphere. We tested a biological control agent in North America that has successfully controlled S. noctilio in Oceania, South Africa, and South America. Deladenus siricidicola nematodes feed on the symbiotic white rot fungus Amylostereum areolatum and can switch to being parasitic on S. noctilio. When parasitic, the Kamona nematode strain can sterilise the eggs of S. noctilio females. However, in North America, a different strain of D. siricidicola (NA), presumably introduced along with the woodwasp, parasitises but does not sterilise S. noctilio. We tested the sterilising Kamona biological control strain of D. siricidicola against S. noctilio in North America. Interactions between the biological control strain and the NA strain could include competitive exclusion, co-infection within hosts or hybridisation. We reared D. siricidicola Kamona on an A. areolatum strain native to North America (IGS-BE) and another strain (IGS-BDF) used commercially to mass-produce the nematode in Australia. We inoculated Kamona reared on either strain of A. areolatum into logs infested with S. noctilio larvae and compared parasitism rates against control logs. Individual nematodes were isolated from S. noctilio hemocoels and from sterilised eggs and were genotyped with eight microsatellite loci. A high rate of parasitisation of S. noctilio by D. siricidicola NA was found for all treatments and we found evidence of both co-infection and hybridisation. Surprisingly, sterilisation rates were not related to the rates of parasitisation by D. siricidicola Kamona.

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Research Article Thu, 4 Apr 2019 16:48:31 +0300
Range expansion drives the evolution of alternate reproductive strategies in invasive fire ants https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/10300/ NeoBiota 33: 67-82

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.33.10300

Authors: Jackson A. Helms IV, Eli S. Bridge

Abstract: Many species are expanding their ranges in response to climate changes or species introductions. Expansion-related selection likely drives the evolution of dispersal and reproductive traits, especially in invasive species introduced into novel habitats. We used an agent-based model to investigate these relationships in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, by tracking simulated populations over 25 years. Most colonies of this invasive species produce two types of queens practicing alternate reproductive strategies. Claustral queens found new colonies in vacant habitats, while parasitic queens take over existing colonies whose queens have died. We investigated how relative investment in the two queen types affects population demography, habitat occupancy, and range expansion. We found that parasitic queens extend the ecological lifespan of colonies, thereby increasing a population’s overall habitat occupancy as well as average colony size (number of workers) and territory size. At the same time, investment in parasitic queens slowed the rate of range expansion by diverting investment from claustral queens. Divergent selection regimes caused edge and interior populations to evolve different levels of reproductive investment, such that interior populations invested heavily in parasitic queens whereas those at the edge invested almost entirely in claustral queens. Our results highlight factors shaping ant life histories, including the evolution of social parasitism, and have implications for the response of species to range shifts.

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Research Article Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:27:12 +0200
Traits related to biological invasion: A note on the applicability of risk assessment tools across taxa https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/9664/ NeoBiota 32: 31-64

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.32.9664

Authors: Lisa M. Emiljanowicz, Heather A. Hager, Jonathan A. Newman

Abstract: Biological invasions are occurring frequently and with great impact to agricultural production and other ecosystem services. In response to this, the Australian Weed Risk Assessment (AWRA) was created to assess the potential ‘weediness’ of plants based on answers to questions related to biogeography, undesirable attributes, and biology or ecology. This basic model has been expanded and adapted for use on other taxa, often without adequate validation. Since invasive insect crop pests are a major economic cost to agricultural production, there is interest in using an expanded model for insects. Here, we review traits related to invasiveness of insects based on a systematic review of the literature. We then compare the identified invasive traits of insects with those identified for plants in the AWRA. Using insects as a case study, we illustrate that although there is some overlap in invasive traits, there are many unique traits related to invasion for both insects and plants. For insects, these traits relate largely to social behaviour. This lack of congruence may also be the case for other taxa. To increase predictive power, a taxon-specific risk assessment tool and deliberate verification are required.

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Review Article Wed, 4 Jan 2017 19:00:00 +0200
Trade patterns of the tree nursery industry in Europe and changes following findings of citrus longhorn beetle, Anoplophora chinensis Forster https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/5721/ NeoBiota 26: 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.26.8947

Authors: René Eschen, Jean-Claude Grégoire, Geerten M. Hengeveld, Bram M. de Hoop, Ludovic Rigaux, Roel P. J. Potting

Abstract: The trade in plants for planting is a major pathway for the introduction and further spread of alien plants, pests and diseases. Information about the structure of plant trade networks is not generally available, but it is valuable for better assessing the potential risks associated with the trade in live plants and the development of prevention and mitigation measures and policy. The discovery of two larvae of Anoplophora chinensis (citrus longhorn beetle – CLB) in 2009, at a nursery importing Acer palmatum from China in one of the major Dutch tree nursery areas, has resulted in the creation of a detailed dataset on the intra-European Union trade in its potential hosts. This study describes European imports of the primary host of A. chinensis, Acer spp., into the Netherlands (1998-2012) and the effects of the finding in a tree nursery area. In addition, shipments of Acer spp. from 138 producers in the nursery area in 2009 were analysed in a one-off analysis of intra-EU trade. The volume of Acer spp. imports from Asia was stable early during the studied period, and declined to 5% of the initial imports after a period of interceptions, illustrating the effect of regulations. The number of notifications of A. chinensis infestations in imported consignments of Acer spp. increased sharply in the years up to 2007, then declined as imports also reduced. Although plants were shipped to destinations throughout Europe, each producer shipped plants only to few destinations in few countries. Most of the plants were shipped to nurseries in EU countries. These patterns could make it easier to target these high risk destinations for control measures. The lack of transaction records makes it difficult to trace the destination of plants. More systematic electronic record keeping by traders and growers and the data being collated in a database that can be made available to regulatory authorities, together with further studies of plant trade data using network approaches, would be beneficial for improving trace-back and trace-forward and provide better safeguards for plant health and quality.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1274/ NeoBiota 22: 43-57

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.22.6634

Authors: Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, Harrieth Cuthbert, Rebeckah Fox, Darryl Birch, Nancy Bunbury

Abstract: The mature palm forest of the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the Seychelles island of Praslin, is a unique ecosystem containing many endemic species, including the iconic coco de mer palm Lodoicea maldivica. In 2009, the invasive yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes was recorded for the first time within the palm forest, raising concern about its potential impacts on the endemic fauna. This research aimed: (1) to assess the current distribution and spread of A. gracilipes within the palm forest; (2) to identify environmental variables that are linked to A. gracilipes distribution; and (3) to compare endemic species richness and abundance in A. gracilipes invaded and uninvaded areas. Anoplolepis gracilipes was confined to the north-east of the site and remained almost stationary between April 2010 and December 2012, with isolated outbreaks into the forest. Infested areas had significantly higher temperature and humidity and lower canopy cover. Abundance and species richness of the endemic arboreal fauna were lower in the A. gracilipes invaded area. Molluscs were absent from the invaded area. The current restricted distribution of A. gracilipes in this ecosystem, combined with lower abundance of endemic fauna in the invaded area, highlight the need for further research to assess control measures and the possible role of biotic resistance to the invasion of the palm forest by A. gracilipes.

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Research Article Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Representing uncertainty in a spatial invasion model that incorporates human-mediated dispersal https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1247/ NeoBiota 18: 173-191

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.18.4016

Authors: Frank Koch, Denys Yemshanov, Robert Haack

Abstract: Most modes of human-mediated dispersal of invasive species are directional and vector-based. Classical spatial spread models usually depend on probabilistic dispersal kernels that emphasize distance over direction and have limited ability to depict rare but influential long-distance dispersal events. These aspects are problematic if such models are used to estimate invasion risk. Alternatively, a geographic network model may be better at estimating the typically low likelihoods associated with human-mediated dispersal events, but it should also provide a reasonable account of uncertainties that could affect perception of its risk estimates. We developed a network model that assesses the likelihood of dispersal of invasive forest pests in camper-transported firewood in North America. We built the model using data from the U.S. National Recreation Reservation Service, which document visitor travel between populated places and federal campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. The study area is depicted as a set of coarse-resolution map units. Based on repeated simulations, the model estimates the probability that each unit is a possible origin and destination for firewood-facilitated forest pest invasions. We generated output maps that summarise, for each U.S. state and Canadian province, where (outside the state or province) a camper-transported forest pest likely originated. Treating these output maps as a set of baseline scenarios, we explored the sensitivity of these “origin risk” estimates to additive and multiplicative errors in the probabilities of pest transmission between locations, as well as random changes in the structure of the underlying travel network. We found the patterns of change in the origin risk estimates due to these alterations to be consistent across all states and provinces. This indicates that the network model behaves predictably in the presence of uncertainties, allowing future work to focus on closing knowledge gaps or more sophisticated treatments of the impact of uncertainty on model outputs.

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Research Article Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Could natural selection change the geographic range limits of light brown apple moth (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in North America? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1249/ NeoBiota 18: 151-156

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.18.5288

Authors: Amy Morey, Robert Venette, William Hutchison

Abstract: We artificially selected for increased freeze tolerance in the invasive light brown apple moth. Our results suggest that, by not accounting for adaptation to cold, current models of potential geographic distributions could underestimate the areas at risk of exposure to this species.

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Short Communication Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Modelling the distribution of the invasive Roesel’s bush-cricket (Metrioptera roeselii) in a fragmented landscape https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1217/ NeoBiota 11: 33-49

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.11.2060

Authors: Sonja Preuss, Anna Lundhagen, Åsa Berggren

Abstract: The development of conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species requires knowledge of the species ecology and distribution. This is, however, often lacking as collecting biological data may be both time-consuming and resource intensive. Species distribution models can offer a solution to this dilemma by analysing the species-environment relationship with help of Geographic information systems (GIS). In this study, we model the distribution of the non-native bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii in the agricultural landscape in mid-Sweden where the species has been rapidly expanding in its range since the 1990s. We extract ecologically relevant landscape variables from Swedish CORINE land-cover maps and use species presence-absence data from large-scale surveys to construct a species distribution model (SDM). The aim of the study is to increase the knowledge of the species range expansion pattern by examining how its distribution is affected by landscape composition and structure, and to evaluate SDM performance at two different spatial scales. We found that models including data on a scale of 1 × 1 km were able to explain more of the variation in species distribution than those on the local scale (10 m buffer on each side of surveyed road). The amount of grassland in the landscape, estimated from the area of arable land, pasture and rural settlements, was a good predictor of the presence of the species on both scales. The measurements of landscape structure – linear elements and fragmentation - gave ambivalent results which differed from previous small scaled studies on species dispersal behaviour and occupancy patterns. The models had good predictive ability and showed that areas dominated by agricultural fields and their associated grassland edges have a high probability being colonised by the species. Our study identified important landscape variables that explain the distribution of M. roeselii in Mid-Sweden that may also be important to other range expanding orthopteran species. This work will serve as a foundation for future analyses of species spread and ecological processes during range expansion.

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Research Article Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Characteristics of exotic ants in North America https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1212/ NeoBiota 10: 47-64

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.10.1047

Authors: Daniela Wittenborn, Jonathan Jeschke

Abstract: The worldwide transport of species beyond their native range is an increasing problem, e.g. for global biodiversity. Many introduced species are able to establish in new environments and some even become invasive. However, we do not know which traits enable them to survive and reproduce in new environments. This study aims to identify the characteristics of exotic ants, and to quantitatively test previously postulated but insufficiently tested assumptions. We collected data on nine traits of 93 exotic ant species (42 of them being invasive) and 323 native ant species in North America. The dataset includes 2536 entries from over 300 different sources; data on worker head width were mostly measured ourselves. We analyzed the data with three complementary analyses: univariate and multivariate analyses of the raw data, and multivariate analyses of phylogenetically independent contrasts. These analyses revealed significant differences between the traits of native and exotic ant species. In the multivariate analyses, only one trait was consistently included in the best models, estimated with AICc values: colony size. Thus, of the nine investigated traits, the most important characteristic of exotic ants as compared to native ants appears to be their large colony size. Other traits are also important, however, indicating that native and exotic ants differ by a suite of traits.

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Research Article Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300
Invasive plants as catalysts for the spread of human parasites https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1208/ NeoBiota 9: 13-29

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.9.1156

Authors: Richard Mack, Melissa Smith

Abstract: As serious as are the consequences of invasive species that directly cause human afflictions through their production of lethal protease inhibitors (Bryonia alba), allergens (Parthenium hysterophorus) or furanocoumarins (Hercaleum mantegazzianum), other introduced species may cause even greater risks to human health by enhancing the proliferation of vectors of virulent human parasites. The dense, floating mats of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) create habitat for larvae of the dipteran vectors of Plasmodium spp., the causative agents of malaria, and other parasites. Facilitation of a human parasite is not restricted to aquatic systems. In Africa, the tropical American shrub Lantana camara (lantana) provides essential habitat for dipteran vectors (Glossina spp.) of protozoans (Trypanosoma spp.) that cause trypanosomiasis. Unanticipated health consequences will likely continue to emerge from new plant introductions. Sin Nombre Virus (SNV) is a rodent-borne parasite that causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, an often-lethal disease in humans. Populations of rodent vectors of SNV in South America increase rapidly in response to synchronous fruit availability among masting, native bamboos. With depletion of this temporary food source, the rodents seek food near human settlements, increasing the risk of human infections with SNV. In the United States the omnivorous deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus is also a SNV carrier. The escape of Asian cold-tolerant bamboos from cultivation raises the possibility of invasions (several have already become naturalized) and providing a temporary boost to populations of infected native rodents. Proposed introductions of aquatic vascular species, species with masting reproduction and those that would occupy an unfilled niche in the proposed new range deserve careful evaluation for their possible roles as unforeseen catalysts of species interactions, especially of human parasites.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300