Assessing geographic dimensions of biological control of Halyomorpha halys in the United States

Authors: ZHU, GENGPING - Washington State University; GUTIERREZ ILLAN, JAVIER - Washington State University; HAJEK, ANN - Cornell University; NIELSEN, ANNE - Rutgers University; Leskey, Tracy; WALGENBACH, JAMES - North Carolina State University; BEERS, ELISABETH - Washington State University; CROWDER, DAVID - Washington State University

Submitted to: Entomologia Generalis
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: As invasive species have the potential to spread to new regions, understanding what habitats are most suitable can predict where they and their natural enemies most likely will be able to establish. Here, we used a nationwide network of cooperators who monitored populations of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), as well as the presence of the co-evolved Asian natural enemy, Samurai wasp, and a naturally occurring microsporia biocontrol agent, Nosema maddoxi. We used this information to predict where these species would overlap under current and future climate scenarios. We found that future climates likely will lead to increased establishment in more northerly locations and a decline in BMSB in central and southeastern US regions. Additionally, our study delineates where these biological control agents likely will be most effective as reducing BMSB populations.

Technical Abstract: Habitat suitability models can predict future distributions of invasive species and identify areas of potential overlap between invaders and their natural enemies to guide biological control. However, models for invasive species and their natural enemies are often limited by scant sampling data. Here, we used data from a coordinated national monitoring network and models to predict potential distributions of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, and two of its natural enemies (Trissolcus japonicus and Nosema maddoxi) in current and future climates. We show all three species are likely to have broad similarity in habitat suitability across the US, with especially high overlap in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern US where H. halys populations were first established. Each species will likely expand their ranges across the northern US in future climate scenarios, but the overlap between the species may decrease. In much of the central and southeastern US, H. halys may decrease its range over time, although natural enemies may be less impacted, and overlap between the species may increase. Our study shows that biological control provided by T. japonicus and N. maddoxi could be key for reducing H. halys populations given their broadly overlapping niches and our models delineate areas where biocontrol may be most effective.