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Insects
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Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems
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Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 30563

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Melody A. Keena

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 51 Mill Pond Road, Hamden, CT 05614, USA
Interests: invasive forest insects; physiological ecology; reproductive behavior; rearing research; trapping; biological control
Dr. R. Talbot Trotter III

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 51 Mill Pond Road, Hamden, CT 05614, USA
Interests: insect phenology; community ecology; spatial modeling; dispersal; risk analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Invasive species are among the most significant disturbance agents that threaten forest ecosystem health. Invasive species are non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal, or plant health. Native species may also become invasive outside their historical ecosystems. Invasive species are a leading cause of species declines, conservation issues, and native species endangerment and extinction. Global trade continues to increase, and with it, the rate of invasive species introductions and subsequent costs incurred by efforts to prevent and manage invasive species. Manuscripts that cover the following topic areas will be considered: The biology and ecology of the invasive species, strategies and tactics to prevent introduction or control/eradicate the invasive species once established, and integrated forest management strategies to help to sustain forests and make them resilient to invasive species.

Dr. Melody A. Keena
Dr. R. Talbot Trotter III
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

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

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2929 KiB  
Article
Assessing Niche Shifts and Conservatism by Comparing the Native and Post-Invasion Niches of Major Forest Invasive Species
by Vivek Srivastava, Wanwan Liang, Melody A. Keena, Amanda D. Roe, Richard C. Hamelin and Verena C. Griess
Insects 2020, 11(8), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080479 - 29 Jul 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4494
Abstract
Invasive species experience biotic and abiotic conditions that may (or may not) resemble their native environment. We explored the methodology of determining climatic niches and compared the native and post-invasion niches of four invasive forest pests to determine if these species experienced shifts [...] Read more.
Invasive species experience biotic and abiotic conditions that may (or may not) resemble their native environment. We explored the methodology of determining climatic niches and compared the native and post-invasion niches of four invasive forest pests to determine if these species experienced shifts or changes in their new climatic niches. We used environmental principle components analysis (PCA-env) method to quantify climatic niche shifts, expansions, and temporal changes. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of variable selection in the delineation and comparison of niche space. We found that variable selection influenced the delineation and overlap of each niche, whereas the subset of climatic variables selected from the first two PCA-env axes explained more variance in environmental conditions than the complete set of climatic variables for all four species. Most focal species showed climatic niche shifts in their invasive range and had not yet fully occupied the available niche within the invaded range. Our species varied the proportion of niche overlap between the native and invasive ranges. By comparing native and invasive niches, we can help predict a species’ potential range expansion and invasion potential. Our results can guide monitoring and help inform management of these and other invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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17 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Survival and Development of Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Populations from Different Geographic Areas on North American Conifers
by Melody A. Keena and Jessica Y. Richards
Insects 2020, 11(4), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11040260 - 24 Apr 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3698
Abstract
Host utilization information is critical to managers for estimating the hosts at risk and potential geographic range for gypsy moths from different geographic origins. In this study, the development and survival of gypsy moths from all three subspecies on 13 North American conifers [...] Read more.
Host utilization information is critical to managers for estimating the hosts at risk and potential geographic range for gypsy moths from different geographic origins. In this study, the development and survival of gypsy moths from all three subspecies on 13 North American conifers and three broadleaf hosts were compared. There was variation in the ability of gypsy moth larvae from different geographic origins to utilize (survive and develop on) key North American conifers. However, that variation was not consistent within gypsy moth subspecies, but instead was more consistent with populations from different origins being preadapted to utilize different hosts and having different biologic traits. Some Asian populations developed and survived well on some conifers while populations from Europe and North America gained weight faster and/or survived better than some Asian populations. Although development was slower and survival poorer on several of the conifers, first instar larvae were able to utilize conifers unless the needles were tough or feeding deterrents were present. Host phenology was also critical since the early instars fed preferentially on new foliage or buds. Gypsy moth larvae can utilize many hosts, so this makes it a very adaptable invasive species that warrants taking measures to prevent its spread. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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15 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Variations on a Theme: Two Structural Motifs Create Species-Specific Pheromone Channels for Multiple Species of South American Cerambycid Beetles
by Weliton D. Silva, Lawrence M. Hanks, Jean Carlos S. Alvarez, Fernando Z. Madalon, José Maurício S. Bento, Jan E. Bello and Jocelyn G. Millar
Insects 2020, 11(4), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11040222 - 2 Apr 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2582
Abstract
We describe the identification, synthesis, and field-testing of aggregation-sex pheromones, or likely pheromone candidates, of seven species of South American cerambycid beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae, of the tribes Eburiini and Neoibidionini. Analyses of extracts of volatiles released by adult males revealed that [...] Read more.
We describe the identification, synthesis, and field-testing of aggregation-sex pheromones, or likely pheromone candidates, of seven species of South American cerambycid beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae, of the tribes Eburiini and Neoibidionini. Analyses of extracts of volatiles released by adult males revealed that Eburodacrys dubitata White produce 11-methyltridecanal, whereas the males of Eburodacrys assimilis Gounelle, Eburodacrys flexuosa Gounelle, and Eburodacrys lenkoi Napp and Martins produce blends of this compound, along with its analog 10-methyldodecanal. In contrast, males of Compsibidion graphicum (Thomson) and Compsibidion sommeri (Thomson) produce blends of 10-methyldodecanal and its corresponding alcohol 10-methyldodecanol. The results from field bioassays with synthetic compounds showed that each species was specifically attracted to traps containing their reconstructed pheromone blend. However, E. assimilis was not trapped, possibly due to inhibition by non-natural enantiomers in the racemic test compounds. During the trials for the Compsibidion species, adults of another cerambycid species, Tetraopidion mucoriferum (Thomson), were captured in significant numbers in traps baited with 10-methyldodecanol, suggesting that this compound is a pheromone component for this species. This study demonstrates another case of conservation of pheromone structures within South American cerambycid species. It also highlights how blends of closely related structures, differing only in chain length or functional group, make the evolution of species-specific pheromone channels possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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13 pages, 1187 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Weather on the Flight of an Invasive Bark Beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis
by Yigen Chen, Brian H. Aukema and Steven J. Seybold
Insects 2020, 11(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11030156 - 1 Mar 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3329
Abstract
The walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), vectors the fungus Geosmithia morbida, which has been implicated in thousand cankers disease of walnut. Little is known about the flight behavior of the insect across seasons, or about the variability in its [...] Read more.
The walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), vectors the fungus Geosmithia morbida, which has been implicated in thousand cankers disease of walnut. Little is known about the flight behavior of the insect across seasons, or about the variability in its flight patterns with weekly fluctuations in weather. We sampled flying adults weekly over a 142-week period (from 29 August, 2011 to 2 June, 2014) with 12-unit black plastic multiple funnel traps baited with a male-produced aggregation pheromone in California, USA. Up to 5000 beetles were captured per trap per week, although catches in most weeks were less than 100 insects. Trap catches were regressed against terms for precipitation, solar radiation, vapor pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and trap catches in preceding weeks. The number of beetles captured in each of the preceding two weeks explained most variation in a current week’s catch. This strong temporal autocorrelation was present in regression models developed for males, females, and both sexes pooled. These models were improved by including two environmental variables. Captures of P. juglandis increased with mean weekly air temperature and decreased with increasing mean minimum relative humidity. The percentage of variation in male, female, or total trap catch explained by the temporal variables and the two environmental variables in these multiple regression models ranged from 72% to 76%. While the flight of this invasive insect will likely be affected by site-specific factors as it spreads to new areas, the strong temporal correlation present in this system may provide a useful starting point for developing flight models for newly invaded areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 776 KiB  
Article
Survival and Recovery of the Pine-Tree Lappet Dendrolimus pini When Subjected to Simulated Starvation
by Adrian Łukowski, Dawid Adamczyk and Piotr Karolewski
Insects 2020, 11(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11010067 - 20 Jan 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3317
Abstract
There are many reasons to study the survival and recovery of animals after starvation in simulated transport conditions or other passive dispersal methods. To do so, we chose Dendrolimus pini, an economically important pest of Scots pine with great potential in terms [...] Read more.
There are many reasons to study the survival and recovery of animals after starvation in simulated transport conditions or other passive dispersal methods. To do so, we chose Dendrolimus pini, an economically important pest of Scots pine with great potential in terms of passive dispersal outside its territory. In this work, we sought to answer the following questions: What is the maximum survival of different instar larvae after total starvation? Does access to dry tissues of the preferred host plant extend the lifespan of the larvae? Does the possibility of larvae recovery exist after starvation for various periods? We found that older larvae survived longer without food than younger larvae. Moreover, dry food did not extend the lifespan of the larvae. Our observations showed that insects were interested in food and tasted it at the beginning, but they did not feed on it for long. Furthermore, larvae recovery was indeed possible, and the time of starvation did not significantly affect this. We generally concluded that the D. pini larvae were characterized by the ability to survive without food for up to one month, which confirms that this species is able to survive long durations of transport to almost anywhere in the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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12 pages, 2494 KiB  
Article
High-Resolution Profiling of Gut Bacterial Communities in an Invasive Beetle using PacBio SMRT Sequencing System
by Letian Xu, Liuwei Sun, Shihan Zhang, Shanshan Wang and Min Lu
Insects 2019, 10(8), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10080248 - 14 Aug 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4053
Abstract
Dendroctonus valens, an invasive bark beetle, has caused severe damage to Chinese forests. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota and its fundamental role in host fitness. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods have been applied in analyzing beetles’ gut microbiota. [...] Read more.
Dendroctonus valens, an invasive bark beetle, has caused severe damage to Chinese forests. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota and its fundamental role in host fitness. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods have been applied in analyzing beetles’ gut microbiota. The former method cannot present a whole picture of the community, and the latter mostly generates short read lengths that cannot be assigned to species. Here, the PacBio sequencing system was utilized to capture full-length 16S rRNA sequences in D. valens gut throughout its ontogeny. A total of eight phyla, 55 families, 102 genera, and 253 species were identified. Bacterial communities in colonized beetles have the greatest richness but the lowest evenness in all life stages, which is different from those in young larvae. Pseudomonas sp., Serratia liquefaciens possess high abundance throughout its ontogeny and may serve as members of the core bacteriome. A phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis predicted that gut microbiota in larvae are rich in genes involved in carbohydrate, energy metabolism. Gut microbiota in both larvae and colonized beetles are rich in xenobiotics and terpenoids biodegradation, which are decreased in dispersal beetles. Considering that the results are based mainly on the analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt prediction, further confirmation is needed to improve the knowledge of the gut microbiota in D. valens and help to resolve taxonomic uncertainty at the species level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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Review

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15 pages, 2799 KiB  
Review
Range-Expansion in Processionary Moths and Biological Control
by Jetske G. de Boer and Jeffrey A. Harvey
Insects 2020, 11(5), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11050267 - 28 Apr 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8447
Abstract
Global climate change is resulting in a wide range of biotic responses, including changes in diel activity and seasonal phenology patterns, range shifts polewards in each hemisphere and/or to higher elevations, and altered intensity and frequency of interactions between species in ecosystems. Oak [...] Read more.
Global climate change is resulting in a wide range of biotic responses, including changes in diel activity and seasonal phenology patterns, range shifts polewards in each hemisphere and/or to higher elevations, and altered intensity and frequency of interactions between species in ecosystems. Oak (Thaumetopoea processionea) and pine (T. pityocampa) processionary moths (hereafter OPM and PPM, respectively) are thermophilic species that are native to central and southern Europe. The larvae of both species are gregarious and produce large silken ‘nests’ that they use to congregate when not feeding. During outbreaks, processionary caterpillars are capable of stripping foliage from their food plants (oak and pine trees), generating considerable economic damage. Moreover, the third to last instar caterpillars of both species produce copious hairs as a means of defence against natural enemies, including both vertebrate and invertebrate predators, and parasitoids. These hairs contain the toxin thaumetopoein that causes strong allergic reactions when it comes into contact with human skin or other membranes. In response to a warming climate, PPM is expanding its range northwards, while OPM outbreaks are increasing in frequency and intensity, particularly in northern Germany, the Netherlands, and southern U.K., where it was either absent or rare previously. Here, we discuss how warming and escape from co-evolved natural enemies has benefitted both species, and suggest possible strategies for biological control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Insects in Forest Ecosystems)
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