DISTRIBUTION OF THE DEFOLIATING PEST ZADIPRION FALSUS: AN ANÁLISIS OF OVERLAPPING NICHES OF ITS HOSTS IN MEXICO

Abstract

Zadiprion falsus Smith is a defoliating insect considered of major importance due to its pest status. The lack of knowledge about its behavior and method of distribution limits our ability to control and prevent of Z. falsus. The objective here is to understand the potential distribution of Zadiprion falsus throughout Mexico, as well as to determine the ideal conditions for its establishment and propagation. To do this, ecological niche models and potential distribution of both Z. falsus and the hosts of the species were used using the MaxEnt algorithm. It was determined that the variables that have greater influence in their distribution is the isothermality and the average temperature of the coldest quarter. A total of 14 species of host pines were recorded for Z. falsus, and it was concluded that there is a close relationship between the distribution of Z. falsus and the distribution of its hosts.