A habitat suitability model for PNW Silver Flies (Leucopis spp.), biological controls of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae)

Presenter's Name(s)

Alex N. Neidermeier, UVMFollow

Conference Year

January 2019

Abstract

Two species of silver fly, Leucopis argenticollis and piniperda, from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) show promise as biological controls for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand; HWA), an exotic invasive species impacting Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis and caroliniana, respectively). To better understand the environmental conditions favoring Leucopis spp., this study will develop a habitat suitability model, validate the model in the PNW, and use it to approximate suitable ranges for Leucopis spp. in eastern North America (NA).

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Kimberly Wallin

Faculty/Staff Collaborators

Kimberly Wallin, Darrell Ross, Nathan Havill, Albert Mayfield, Scott Merrill, Paul Schaberg, Kyle Motley

Status

Graduate

Student College

Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources

Program/Major

Natural Resources

Primary Research Category

Biological Sciences

Abstract only.

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A habitat suitability model for PNW Silver Flies (Leucopis spp.), biological controls of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae)

Two species of silver fly, Leucopis argenticollis and piniperda, from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) show promise as biological controls for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand; HWA), an exotic invasive species impacting Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis and caroliniana, respectively). To better understand the environmental conditions favoring Leucopis spp., this study will develop a habitat suitability model, validate the model in the PNW, and use it to approximate suitable ranges for Leucopis spp. in eastern North America (NA).