Abstract
An innovative scanning harmonic radar has been recently developed for tracking insects in complex landscapes. This movable technology has been tested on an invasive hornet species (Vespa velutina) for detecting the position of their nests in the environment, in the framework of an early detection strategy. The new model of harmonic radar proved to be effective in tracking hornets either in open landscapes, hilly environments and areas characterised by the presence of more obstacles, such as woodlands and urban areas. Hornets were effectively tracked in complex landscapes for a mean tracking length of 96 ± 62 m with maximum values of ~ 300 m. The effectiveness of locating nests was 75% in new invasive outbreaks and 60% in highly density colonised areas. Furthermore, this technology could provide information on several aspects of insect’s ecology and biology. In this case, new insights were obtained about the mean foraging range of V. velutina (395 ± 208 m with a maximum value of 786 m) and flying features (ground speed), which was 6.66 ± 2.31 m s−1 for foraging individuals (hornets that are not carrying prey’s pellet) and 4.06 ± 1.34 m s−1 for homing individuals.
Highlights
An innovative scanning harmonic radar has been recently developed for tracking insects in complex landscapes
The increased beam width requested to operate in hilly areas generate a reduction of the overall detection range of the radar. This modified scanning harmonic radar has been improved to further extend the tracking range up to about 500 m of radius from the radar position in flat terrain conditions[18]. This innovative scanning harmonic radar has been used with success for tracking the flight of Vespa velutina in Italy[18], an invasive hornet species, which is colonising
We highlight how the harmonic radar tracking could be used to deepening the knowledge on several aspects of insect’s ecology and biology in natural and non-controlled conditions: in this case, the flying characteristics and the distances of V. velutina colonies from apiaries where hornets were preying on honey bees
Summary
An innovative scanning harmonic radar has been recently developed for tracking insects in complex landscapes. We describe the performance of this new scanning harmonic radar in tracking insects in complex environments and non-controlled conditions, by analysing its application in the detection of nests of V. velutina as a case study.
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