Climatic causes of the current expansion of the Italian locust range in Russia and neighboring countries

Abstract

Modeling of climatic ranges of a dangerous locust pest - the Italian locust on the territory of Russia and neighboring countries over two periods: 1956-1975 and 1996-2015 was performed. Analysis of the constructed map scheme demonstrates expansion of the climatic range of the Italian locust mainly in the northern direction in the period 1996-2015 compared with the period 1956-1975 resulting from continuing trend of increase in mean global air temperature observed in recent decades. Obtained data can be used in monitoring locust pests in agriculture.