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

WERENKRAUT, VICTORIA; PIRK, GABRIELA INÉS; LESCANO, MARÍA NATALIA; BENCLOWICZ, JOSÉ DANIEL; ELIZALDE, LUCIANA

ECOLOGÍA AUSTRAL

ASOCIACIÓN ARGENTINA DE ECOLOGÍA

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2017 vol. 27 p. 305 - 311

0327-5477

ABSTRACT. Firewood canact as a long-distance dispersal vector for wood-infesting insects both withinand among countries. 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 regionhighly susceptible to insect invasions. This is especially alarming consideringthe current lack of sanitary controls of incoming goods. To prevent insectintroductions via firewood it is crucial to implement a joint effort among thescientific community, control organisms, government, and end user.