Inter-university study investigates the history of these species
500 years of insect invasion in Chile
Contribution to public policies
We prevent economic and environmental damage from pests
The universities of Talca, Austral and Católica, together with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) are investigating historical patterns of insect invasion.
Historical invasion
Nearly 600 types of insects have arrived in 500 years.
Post-war phenomenon
In 1950, after World War II, the arrival of these species increased dramatically.
Public policies
The idea behind the study is to generate policies to mitigate the impact of pests on agriculture and forestry.
Inter-university research
Four institutions are participating in the project: UTalca, UAustral, PUC, and SAG.
Insects in Chile
Learn about the invasive species that live alongside us
The study considers 500 years of insect migration, which increased from the 20th century due to the rise in global trade.
Invasive insects can cause significant losses in the forestry and agricultural industries.
Climate change has increased the number of invasive insects due to the new configuration in ecosystems.
migration
500 years of insect invasion in Chile and its agricultural and forestry impact
"An inter-university study determined that, since the arrival of Europeans to the American continent, more than 600 non-native species have established themselves in Chile. Of these, more than 40% belong to the order Hemiptera, which are true bugs and aphids."
Since European colonization more than 500 years ago, almost 600 non-native insect species have established themselves in Chile due to the commercial exchange of different varieties of plants and domestic animals.
In 1950, this number increased dramatically due to World War II, agricultural growth, and the rise in air traffic and migration. This was identified in a study undertaken by the Austral University of Chile (UACH), the Catholic University of Chile (PUC), and the University of Talca (UTalca), which, together with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), seeks to understand historical patterns of this influx in order to design policies that mitigate its impact today.
The research revealed that more than 50% of non-native insects in Chile come from the Palearctic region (Europe, North Asia and Africa).
Of the total, 40% belong to the order Hemiptera (true bugs and aphids); while the orders Coleoptera (beetles) and Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants) each contribute 20%.
Eduardo Fuentes Contreras, an academic at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of UTalca and a researcher in this study, explained that to arrive at this data, scientists analyzed the biogeographical origin and the main impacts of these species.
Most common pests
Various industries have historically been affected by the arrival of invasive insects, especially agricultural and forestry activities.
“One of the most relevant examples is the cereal aphids that arrived in Chile between the 60s and 70s, causing significant damage to wheat and oat production. The solution to combat them was precisely to go to their place of origin and import their natural enemies, which act as biological control agents,” the researcher explained.
Another group of pests that has had a profound impact, especially on fruit farming in central Chile, are the moths of the Tortricidae family. Fuentes explained that the codling moth arrived first, in 1890, and is one of the most important in some parts of the world; then, between the 60s and 70s, the Oriental fruit moth arrived, which attacks stone fruits (apricots, cherries, plums, and peaches); and finally, in 2008, the European grapevine moth was introduced to Chile, causing damage to grapevines and the wine industry.
In the case of the forestry industry, the researcher highlighted the pests affecting Radiata Pine and Eucalyptus, both tree species native to North America and Australia, respectively. “These insects attack the foliage and wood; among them, the pine bud moth stands out, having caused significant losses.”
Meanwhile, in beekeeping, they have been battling the yellowjacket wasp since 1968, which affects bee colonies and honey production. This species is also a concern in the tourism industry due to its presence in camping areas. While quantifying the damage is difficult, the academic indicated that, “it is estimated that the agricultural and forestry industries register between 10 and 25% in annual losses due to invasive pests.”
Climate Change
Drought, rising global temperatures, and desertification due to climate change have influenced changes in ecosystem configurations and, consequently, the increase in invasive insects.
“Climate change is causing shifts in species distribution ranges and an increase in pests in new geographic regions. Insects that are native to a particular area will migrate along with the plants,” he explained.
Regarding the damage caused by the introduction of invasive species, the researcher indicated that prevention is key to avoiding, mitigating, or delaying the entry of these species into the country, and that is why the work of the SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) in this area is so important. “It is also crucial to strengthen communication campaigns to discourage people from bringing plant or animal material from abroad.”
Finally, this groundbreaking study provides a chronological and up-to-date overview of the pest situation in the country. With this contribution, scientists hope to support research and policy efforts aimed at preventing economic and environmental damage.
Learn more about this information at A bug's tale: revealing the history, biogeography and ecological patterns of 500 years of insect invasions
Biological research
Main invasive species in our country
Data that contributes to decision-making
Scientists analyzed the biogeographical origin and main impacts of these species.
Since 1950
Migrating insects
The inter-university research analyzed the biogeographical origin and main impacts of nearly 600 insect species such as aphids and wasps, among others.
Scientific development