Presence of the Exotic WeevilRhinocyllus conicusFröelich at High Elevations in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Climate change vulnerability assessment of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region

“…The weevil Rhinocyllus conicus Fröelich has been found on native thistles on Niwot Ridge in Colorado, but its presence was negatively correlated with elevation. Climatic factors apparently limit its current capacity to expand above treeline; warming temperatures could facilitate an upward expansion (Hicks et al 2013).…”

“…at Niwot Ridge in Colorado, but its presence was negatively correlated with elevation. Climatic factors apparently limited its current capacity to expand above treeline; warming temperatures could facilitate an upward expansion (Hicks et al 2013). Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) is widespread in the Rocky Mountains and amphibians are not resistant to this disease ).…”