Ecological risk assessments for insect species emerged from western larch imported to northern Minnesota.

Abstract

Forest products imported intra-continentally are potential pathways for introducing native insect species into areas where they were not previously found. While the risk associated with importation of exotic insects into foreign lands is well documented, native species pose similar threats. Ecological risk assessments were conducted on seven species of native insects (Tetropium velutinum LeConte, and Pygoleptura nigrella [Say] [Coleoptera: Cerambycidae], Phaenops drummondi [Kirby] [Coleoptera: Buprestidae], Stephanopachys substriatus [Paykull] [Coleoptera: Bostrichidae], Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins and Scolytus laricis Blackman [Coleoptera: Scolytidae], and Camponotus noveboracensis [Fitch] [Hymenoptera: Formicidae]) that emerged from western larch logs imported into northern Minnesota. The ecological risk of each species was assessed considering the following factors: economic impact, host specificity, potential for associated organisms, survey potential, pathway potential, establishment potential, and mitigation potential. Following suggestions provided in this document will minimize the likelihood that more western forest insect species will be introduced into Minnesota and other areas of the US.