Potential Geographic Distributions of Parthenogenetic Broad-Nosed Weevils Native to South America

CONFALONIERI V.A.; GUZMAN, NOELIA V.; DEL RIO G.; A LANTERI

Orlando

Simposio; XXV International Congress of Entomology; 2016

Introduction. The analysis of the potential geographic distributions of species is relevant to several disciplines, such as conservation biology and management of agricultural pests. Species of parthenogenetics broad-nosed weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) native to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay were selected for niche modeling analysis, to evaluate their potential range expansion inside and outside South America. This species belong to five genera of the tribe Naupactini affecting economically important crops. Until present, five of them have invaded prairies and steppes of countries outside South America (Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, United States, and South Africa): Aramigus tessellatus (Say), Atrichonotus sordidus (Hustache), Atrichonotus taeniatulus (Berg), Naupactus leucoloma Boheman, and Naupactus peregrinus (Buchanan). Methods. We perform a niche modeling analyses of ten weevil taxa, with MAXENT, based on climatic data and altitudeResults/Conclusion. Our analyses demonstrated that the countries outside South America invaded by the mentioned species, would be also suitable for Aramigus conirostris (Hustache), Eurymetopus fallax (Boheman), Pantomorus auripes Hustache, Pantomorus ruizi (Brèthes), and Pantomorus viridisquamosus (Boheman). Consequently, these species also have the potential to invade areas outside their native ranges, mainly in southeastern United States, some European countries (e.g., Portugal, France, and southern England), South Africa, New Zealand, and southeastern Australia. All the studied species share similar environmental requirements, the most important variables being the Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter, the Annual Mean Temperature and Isothermality. Long distance dispersal through commercial trade, and parthenogenetic reproduction would increase the threat of these weevils to crop production worldwide.