Firewood as a pathway for insect introductions. What are the risks of ant invasions in Patagonia?

WERENKRAUT, V.; PIRK, G.I.; LESCANO, N.; BENCLOWICZ, J.; ELIZALDE, L.

ECOLOGÍA AUSTRAL

ASOCIACIÓN ARGENTINA DE ECOLOGÍA

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2017

0327-5477

Firewood can act as along-distance dispersal vector for wood-infesting insects both within and amongcountries. Recently, we have detected the alien carpenter ant Camponotus mus< in firewood transportedfrom central Argentina to Patagonia. This species generates significanteconomic losses in its native range and has invader potential. Moreover, globalwarming and the increasing anthropogenic disturbance in Patagonia make this region highly susceptible to insect invasions. This is especially alarming consideringthe current lack of sanitary controls of incoming goods. To prevent insect introductions via firewood it is crucial a joint effort among the scientific community, control organisms, government, and end user.