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10-Minute Presentation

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

10-min: SysEB, Invasive Species, Diagnostics, and Biocontrol

Geographic potential of the elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda in North America

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
3:00 PM – 3:12 PM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 127 B, PCC
Oral Presentation
The elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera), native from eastern Asia, is one of the most concerning pests of elm trees (Ulmus spp.). The sawfly can cause severe defoliation of elm trees, branch die-back can contribute to weakening overall tree health, and potentially tree mortality. This species invaded Europe in 2003 and has rapidly spread through many European countries. In 2020, this invasive species was recorded in North America, in Quebec, Canada, and since then, it has been confirmed to be established in several states in the eastern United States. North America has native elm feeding insects which could be outcompeted by elm zigzag sawfly. The invasion of sawfly has potential to further exacerbate the decline of elm trees, especially in conjunction with other pressures including Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi). We used rigorous approaches to explore climatic suitability for A. leocopoda in North America, considering various sources of uncertainty in the data. We found that without control, the elm zigzag sawfly could establish populations across eastern Canada and the United States (except some states in the South), as well as the Pacific Northwest. Southern areas of North America were found not to be climatically suitable for this species. Predicted suitable areas for the sawfly overlap broadly with areas of potential distribution of elm trees, highlighting the need for actions to control this invasion and mitigate potential economic and environmental impacts.