A firefly from South America illuminates the Iberian fields with concern

2023-10-26 12:02:43

A group of researchers from the Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid has analyzed the presence and biological invasion of an alien firefly in the European communities with effects that cannot be calculated. The Firefly Photinus with signs She is native to South America and has recently settled in Spain, specifically in Girona.

Since 2016, this firefly has colonized the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula and has crossed the Pyrenees to reach the south of France in 2019. The larvae of this firefly feed on earthworms, so a high density of this species could negatively impact this key group in soil and agricultural processes. The exact extent of the colonization, the ecological niche and possible expansion of its distribution area in Europe.

Using species distribution models, we have found highly suitable areas throughout Europe where this firefly could establish itself if introduced.

“Using species distribution models, we have found high suitability areas across Europe where this firefly could establish itself if introduced. Interestingly, using only the records from South America and the associated conditions models we can predict exactly where it will settle. The species is currently found in Europe, since there are climatic similarities between their native area around Río de la Plata and the province of Girona”, they point out in a statement.

Among the variables considered, they have also found that only the temperature seasonality appeared to be the same in both native and European areas and relevant in the models, suggesting that it may represent the main limiting factor for the establishment of this firefly.

“We include here the term ‘neglected invasive species’since there are so few resources, specialists and focuses on biological invasions, together with the fact that there are more and more cases, that different problems and threats caused by exotic species may appear due to not being able to properly address them,” they argue.

The title of the article pays tribute to The Beatles and their song Across the Universe

The title of the article pays tribute to The Beatles and his song Across the UniverseOn the one hand, because these fireflies have crossed from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere through human activities, and on the other because fireflies are also beetles, beetles, in English. The article was sent for publication on July 6, the World Day of The Beatleswhen Paul McCartney and John Lennon met.

Reference:

Diego Gil Tapetado et al. “Across the firefly-verse: comparison of niche suitability of an exotic firefly in its native and colonized range“. Journal of the Insect Conservation.

Fuente: SINC

Rights: Creative Commons.