Modelling the Potential Geographic Distribution of Two Trissolcus Species for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys

Abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is native to northeast Asia. It was accidentally introduced to Europe and North America, where it has become a key pest, feeding on many important crops. Previous eco-climatic niche modelling indicates that H. halys could expand its distribution vastly, and numerous border interceptions of this pest in many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, indicate that it would be prudent to prepare for its eventual arrival. Similar niche modelling was used to assess the potential distribution of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the key parasitoid of H. halys in China. Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) is one of the main parasitoids of H. halys in Japan. It is known to have existed in Australia since the early 20th century and was also specifically introduced to Australia in the 1960s, and it has now also invaded Italy. We used CLIMEX to model the climatic niche of T. mitsukurii to estimate its global potential distribution. We found that T. mitsukurii should be able to significantly expand its range globally, and that there is a significant degree of overlap in the projected ranges of T. mitsukurii, T. japonicus and H. halys. From a biological control perspective, this implies that the two Trissolcus species may be able to help mitigate the potential impacts of H. halys.

First Detection of the Adventive Egg Parasitoid of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in France

“…Given that the climate of southern France is similar to northern Italy, we consider it likely that T. mitsukurii will become established. This is supported by the climate suitability model (CLIMEX Ecoclimatic Index) for T. mitsukurii performed by Yonow et al [ 49 ]. Sampling in 2021 will be essential to determine if this is the case.…”

Preempting the Arrival of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys: Biological Control Options for Australia

“…Recent taxonomic revisions of Trissolcus in North America and the Palearctic have clarified the nomenclature and identification of Trissolcus spp. attacking H. halys , indicating that early identifications of T. halyomorphae were attributable to T. japonicus [ 13 ], and those of T. flavipes were more likely to have been T. cultratus [ 28 ]. The specimens reported as T. semistriatus were originally identified as T. nigripedius , which is now a junior synonym.…”

“…Three species of egg parasitoids known in the native range of H. halys are also found in the invaded range: Trissolcus cultratus is also native to Europe [ 28 ], while T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii have adventive populations. Trissolcus japonicus is now found in North America and Europe [ 21 , 44 , 75 , 79 ], while T. mitsukurii is found in Italy [ 21 , 62 ], with their distribution ranges predicted to increase [ 13 ].…”

“…Based on this data, as many as 14–15 generations per year could occur [ 30 ]. Trissolcus mitsukurii was introduced into Brazil [ 71 ], but it is not clear whether it has been permanently established there, as there are no location records to indicate that it is present [ 13 ]. Nonetheless, experiments in Brazil indicated that longevity depends on rearing temperatures [ 104 ], and that T. mitsukurii could live for 42.6 days at 26 °C [ 105 ].…”

“…Climatic modelling indicates the potential for establishment and distribution of H. halys to include east coast regions from northern to southern Australia [ 8 ]. Many of the regions that closely match the potential distribution of H. halys are where Australia and New Zealand grow high value agricultural crops, such as orchard fruits and vegetables [ 8 , 12 , 13 ]. Therefore, preparing for the arrival and establishment of H. halys is paramount.…”