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Updated: Aug 13, 2025
05:25
A Wind Tunnel for Odor Mediated Insect Behavioural Assays
Published on: November 30, 2018
11.8K
In the wind: Invasive species travel along predictable atmospheric pathways.
Ilze Pretorius1, Wayne C Schou1, Brian Richardson1
1New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd (Scion), Rotorua, New Zealand.
Summary
Predicting invasive species spread via wind is now possible. New atmospheric modeling using Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) can forecast long-distance aerial dispersal of insects and wildfire smoke, aiding biosecurity efforts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Atmospheric Science
- Biosecurity
Background:
- Invasive species pose significant biosecurity risks to ecosystems and health.
- Predicting wind-driven spread of invasive insects, pathogens, and weeds is challenging due to their complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence for atmospheric pathways driving long-distance aerial dispersal of invasive species.
- To introduce a novel aerobiological modeling system for predicting atmospheric invasions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) to model atmospheric pathways.
- Integrated LCS modeling with species biology and atmospheric survival data.
- Developed an aerobiological modeling system for forecast and hindcast analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that LCS are the primary drivers of long-distance aerial dispersal for invasive insects.
- Identified wildfire smoke plumes as potential carriers of invasive species.
- Showcased the potential of the integrated model to predict invasion events.
Conclusions:
- The developed aerobiological modeling system offers a transformative approach to understanding and predicting atmospheric invasions.
- Early detection of high-risk invasion events and source locations can be achieved, improving eradication success.
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