Identification of spatial distribution and drivers for grasshopper populations based on geographic detectors

Abstract

Grasshoppers are important elements for supporting ecosystem services which make it important to understand their spatial distribution characteristics to reduce outbreaks, implement effective control while minimizing non-target impacts. The spatial software package Geographical Detector (GD) was used to rank the interaction and effects of 19 environmental factors on the distribution of grasshopper species were quantified in four types of steppes in Northwestern, China. Results showed that the distribution of the insect was mainly influenced by elevation (q = 0.44). Among the factor interactions, elevation ∩ average annual precipitation (q = 0.795) was the strongest, followed by elevation ∩ soil available nitrogen (q = 0.722). Temperate meadow steppe and temperate steppe were identified as the areas at greatest risk for grasshopper’s occurrence. This research shows that the Geographical Detector could be provided a useful tool to identify the driving forces for grasshopper distribution. Our research also offers a new method to more broadly understand the interactions between different drivers to explain the distribution of other insects.