DISTRIBUCIÓN GEOGRÁFICA DE UNA PLAGA DEFOLIADORA (ZADIPRION FALSUS): UN ANÁLISIS DEL SOLAPAMIENTO DE NICHO DE SUS HOSPEDEROS EN MÉXICO

Abstract

Abstract The species Zadiprion falsus Smith is a defoliating insect considered of major importance, due to its pest behavior. Little knowledge about its behavior and geographic? distribution is a limitation to determine control and prevention measures against these organisms. The objective of the present work is to know the potential geographic? distribution of Z. falsus throughout Mexico, as well as to determine the ideal conditions for its establishment and propagation. In order to do this, ecological niche models and potential distribution of both Z. falsus and its host plants were used applying the MaxEnt algorithm. It was determined that the variables that have greater influence on their distribution are the isothermality and the average temperature of the coldest quarter. A total of 14 species of host pines (Pinus) were recorded for Z. falsus, and it was concluded that there is a close relationship between the distribution of Z. falsus and the distribution of its host plants.