Flight behaviour and dispersal characteristics of the invasive wasp Sirex noctilio: implications on population and invasion dynamics.

VILLACIDE, JM; MARTINEZ ANDRES; CORLEY, JC

Bariloche

Congreso; IUFRO 07.03.05 - 07.03.12 Joint Meeting; 2015

INTA CONICET

Abstract. Dispersal, movement of an individual from the parental environment to new sites, has important consequences on population dynamics. For invasive species, dispersal may have important implications during population establishment and spread in novel habitats. Our aim was to explore, through field studies and laboratory experiments, some key factors of the dispersal ecology and behaviour of Sirex noctilio. This woodwasp is an invasive insect that has become one of the most significant pests of pine forests globally. We describe adult dispersal capacity from parental infested pine plots and through unsuitable habitat, and explore patterns of co-variation in physiological and life-history traits related with dispersal. Results suggest that females have strong dispersal behaviour through flight, with individuals frequently emigrating from parental patches and in some cases displaying long-distance dispersal events. Furthermore, development of flight during the first days of life is a strategy that could maximize female dispersal, allowing on the one hand, longer flights and on the other, lower costs in terms of post-flight survival. The characteristics of the dispersal by flight are discussed in terms of their contribution to the population and invasion dynamics observed in non-native areas.