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

Simple Summary The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), native to Asia, has been accidentally introduced to Europe and North America, where it has become a key pest by feeding on numerous important crops. Although H. halys has not yet established in Australia, there is a general consensus that this is only a matter of time, and thus, it is prudent to investigate management options. Previous studies have modelled the potential distribution of H. halys and one of its principal natural enemies, Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Here, we developed a similar model of the potential distribution of Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead), which is a primary parasitoid of H. halys in Japan, and which was introduced to Australia in the 1960s to control another introduced pest. We used the three models to examine the overlap in the projected distributions of both T. mitsukurii and T. japonicus with H. halys, and to assess the potential for the two Trissolcus species to help mitigate the impacts of H. halys in its global adventive range. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (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.

Automated summary

The brown marmorated stink bug, native to Asia, has become a key pest in Europe and North America by feeding on important crops. Studies suggest it may also spread to Australia, prompting research into management options. Models of its potential distribution and that of its natural enemies show overlap, indicating potential for biological control.