Study on the Potential Distribution of Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Its Natural Enemy Picromerus bidens Under Climate Change

Xinyue Gao,Jiufeng Wei,Qing Zhao,Hufang Zhang

doi:10.3389/fevo.2021.786436

Abstract

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), scientifically known as Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a destructive quarantine pest that has invaded more than 40 countries and regions worldwide. It causes a 20–100% reduction in plant production, leading to severe economic losses. Picromerus bidens L. is a predatory insect that preys on CPB. This study used the MaxEnt model to predict the current and future potential distribution areas of CPB and P. bidens under different climatic scenarios to determine the possibility of using P. bidens as a natural enemy to control CPB. The possible introduction routes of CPB and P. bidens were subsequently predicted by combining their potential distribution with the current distribution of airports and ports. Notably, the potential distribution area of P. bidens was similar to that of CPB, suggesting that P. bidens could be used as a natural enemy to control CPB. Future changes in the suitable growth areas of CPB under different climate scenarios increased and decreased but were insignificant, while those of P. bidens decreased. Consequently, a reduction of the suitable habitats of P. bidens may cause a decrease in its population density, leading to a lack of adequate and timely prevention and control of invasive pests. Active measures should thus be enacted to minimize global warming and protect biodiversity. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for early warning, monitoring, and control of the CPB spread.

Highlights

Global warming has become a major climate change issue during the last century (Stocker et al, 2013)
This study explored the biological prevention of Colorado potato beetle (CPB) using a modeling approach to assess the distribution of CPB and its natural enemy, Picromerus bidens (P. bidens)
This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for early warning, monitoring, and control of the CPB spread

Summary

Introduction

Global warming has become a major climate change issue during the last century (Stocker et al, 2013). These changes have affected the distribution patterns of organisms, leading to changes in the suitable areas of species and biodiversity reduction. The impact of climate change on insects is important, and climate change can directly or indirectly affect the distribution and number of insects (for example, by changing the emergence of species and hosts), so simulating how climate change affects invasive pests and their natural enemies can provide important information for controlling and managing the spread of these pests and introducing natural enemies (Wei et al, 2020). The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), scientifically known as Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, is a destructive quarantine pest whose main hosts are the Solanaceae species such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Guo et al, 2010).

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