Forecasting threats to Minnesota terrestrial ecosystems by invasive insects

Background

This project uses machine-learning techniques to develop maps that describe where the climate in Minnesota might be most welcoming for nine priority invasive insect species: 

• Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines)

• Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) 

• European grape berry moth (Eupoecilia ambiguella) 

• Old world bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) 

• Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila sukukii) 

• Egyptian cottonworm (Spodoptera littoralis) 

• Sirex woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) 

• Gypsy moth, European (Lymantria dispar dispar) 

• Gypsy moth, Asian (Lymantria dispar asiatica)
  
  

Research questions

• What is the current distribution of the above 9 invasive species in past, present and future conditions?

Practical implications

These maps will serve as a foundation for future efforts to quantify potential economic and ecological impacts of invasive species in our region, and help experts direct management priorities on the ground. 

Details

Funding:

$135,635

Research Team:

Amy Morey, principal investigator