Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2017
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster E43
Höfundar / Authors: Mariana Tamayo (1)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1. University of Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Mariana Tamayo
Nootka lupine was introduced from Alaska for land reclamation in Iceland, becoming naturalized in Iceland in the 1950s. Currently three Icelandic moths – the red-backed cutworm, the broom moth and the satyr pug - have expanded their host range to Nootka lupine. These moths are generalist herbivores and sometimes cause considerable damage to trees and horticultural crops. This research was started in 2015 to understand the herbivory dynamics of native insects relative to alien and native host plants. Specifically, the distribution and herbivory of the red-backed cutworm in southern Iceland was studied by focusing on Nootka lupine and horticultural crops (alien host plants), as well as on lyme grass (native host plant). Furthermore, the herbivory of the broom moth and satyr pug was monitored. Overall, 36 sites were surveyed from Hlíðavatn to Sólheimasandur in 2015-2017. The red-backed cutworm was present in 6 sites with Nootka lupine, 6 with lyme grass, and 5 field crops. Larval abundance ranged from 0-31 larvae per site, with Nootka lupine sites showing the highest abundance. Red-backed cutworm larvae were most abundant on both Nootka lupine and lyme grass in the area of Ölfus and Eyrarbakki. The abundance of male adults, however, varied greatly among years regardless of host plant. Broom moth herbivory occurred on Nootka lupine, rutabagas, rapeseed, carrots, lyme grass and at least 6 other native plants. These preliminary results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring to assess herbivory dynamics of native insects and their potential risks to agriculture