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