The role of host patch characteristics and dispersal capability on the distribution and abundance of Arhopalus rusticus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in central Argentina

GRILLI, MP

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2018

0013-8703

Host patch characteristics can influence the abundance of a species but this will depend on the species? dispersal ability and the distance between suitable patches. In central Argentina, an area of introduced pine forest was planted for wood production in the nineteen-forties. In 2006, an invading Cerambycid, Arhopalus rusticus, was detected in the area. Since then, the species has expanded its range until it now occupies the whole area. In this paper, we analyse how the configuration of the host patches and the flight performance of Arhopalus rusticus affect its distribution. The study was performed in the centre-west of Córdoba Province (Argentina). This area is the main pine production zone of the province, with 24000 ha of introduced pine forests. Land cover was estimated using Landsat 8 scenes. Landscape was quantified by estimating the focal patch area, Focal Patch Fractal Dimension Index (FRAC) and Focal patch Euclidean Nearest-Neighbour Distance (ENN). Focal patch area showed a positive relationship with A. rusticus abundance, while ENN and FRAC had a negative relationship. The dispersal ability of Arhopalus rusticus was determined by putting recently emerged individuals to fly in flight mills. The flight performance results showed that the species was probably introduced in the area by human activity, but once arrived they rapidly established and expanded to the whole area. This shows the importance of preventing its arrival in other pine production areas of Argentina, as it has proved to be an extremely successful invader.