Predicting Potential Global Distribution of The Black Spotted Yellow Borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) by CLIMEX Modelling

Abstract

Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée is a serious invasive pest of several horticultural, agricultural and forestry plants and presently distributed in Asia and Australia. CLIMEX simulation was applied for C. punctiferalis to predict its potential geographic distribution in the world under present climate scenario. Ecoclimatic index (EI), which describes the differential climate suitability for the establishment of the pest, was assessed for different locations in the globe. The map comparisons show good agreements between simulated and present distribution of this pest, indicating that the CLIMEX model has promising potential for prediction of future distributions of this species globally. As the present pest distribution is restricted to Southeast Asia and Australia, potential areas where the pest can establish if inadvertently or via transit introduced are stated in this chapter.