Global Future Modeling of the Invasive Cryphalus dilutus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Effects of Bioclimatic Variables

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Cryphalus dilutus is an emerging invasive pest of tropical and subtropical regions, with Mangifera indica and Ficus carica being its primary host plants. Larval damage caused by this insect can lead to severe tree wilting, posing a direct threat to agricultural production and ecological security. Native to South Asia, C. dilutus has established introduced populations in the Near East, Mexico, and other areas. In recent years, it has invaded multiple regions, including southern China and southern Italy. Given the widespread global distribution of host plants and the intensification of climate change, their distribution ranges are expected to expand. However, research assessing the potential global geographical distribution of this pest under climate change is lacking. In this study, we used the Random Forest model to predict the potential distribution range of C. dilutus. Under historical climatic conditions between 1970 and 2000, suitable climatic regions for C. dilutus were primarily distributed across southern China, southeastern Brazil, southeastern Mexico, the Congo Basin periphery, and the Iberian Peninsula, with a total area of 12,192.42 × 104 km2. The Temperature Annual Range and Precipitation of Warmest Quarter were identified as key environmental determinants that shaped its distribution. Under the future RCP4.5 climate scenario projected for the 2050s, the total suitable area for C. dilutus is projected to contract. Specifically, high-, medium-, and low-suitability areas are projected to decline by 52.77%, 62.39%, and 24.02%, respectively. While the total area of the very low zones is expected to increase, the total area of the suitable region has been reduced to 11,891.17 ×104 km2. Future climate change is expected to drive the distribution northward to high-altitude areas and inland areas. Model projections indicate a poleward expansion of the fundamental climatic niche, with climatic suitability increasing in high-latitude and high-altitude regions, such as Northern Europe and western North America. Conversely, current core tropical habitats in the Indian subcontinent and the Amazon Basin are projected to face significant habitat degradation due to thermal stress. Agricultural regions previously considered relatively safe due to climatic constraints, such as northern China, the midwestern United States, and Eastern Europe, may face new challenges from pest infestation. These findings underscore the importance of proactive monitoring and implementation of preventive measures. This provides crucial decision support for countries and regions to formulate precise pest control strategies and offers a theoretical basis for early monitoring and prevention of cross-border invasions on a global scale.

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