Assessing the potential phytosanitary threat of the house cricket Acheta domesticus.

Phytosanitary threats can pose substantial risks to global agriculture and ecological systems, affecting biodiversity, human well-being, and food security. Meanwhile, global warming is projected to exacerbate these threats in the future. One in Europe already widely distributed potential phytosanitary threat that may benefit from global warming is the house cricket Acheta domesticus. This study explored the potential of A. domesticus as a relevant non-native phytosanitary threat under changing climatic conditions by conducting a series of functional response experiments across a temperature gradient (20, 25, and 30 °C). Acheta domesticus exhibited comparable patterns of seed consumption and functional responses. Seed type (millet seeds, wheat grains) and temperature increase influenced the damage inflicted on seeds, with softer and smaller seeds being more susceptible to damage, further amplified by warmer temperatures. The study's outcomes underline the phytosanitary threat that A. domesticus may pose. Considering the species' established presence and adaptable nature in urban environments exacerbates the potential for A. domesticus to transition to rural and agricultural areas. Its increasing production as a food item, paired with the here-identified potential to damage seeds, emphasizes the need for proactive and science-based strategies to address emerging phytosanitary threats driven by non-native species under changing climatic conditions. As global temperatures continue to rise, the assessment and management of potential pest species like A. domesticus will be crucial for safeguarding agriculture productivity and ecological balance.

The neglect of nonnative orthopterans as potential invaders: A call for awareness.

Despite the potential ecological and economic impacts of invasive species, there is a dearth of data on the presence, impacts, and management implications of potentially invasive Orthoptera species. This lack of research and inconsistent data, including risk screenings and impact assessments, is especially evident in Europe. Consequently, assessing the status, distribution, and potential threats of nonnative Orthoptera in Europe remains challenging, impeding the development of effective management strategies. To address this gap, we call for increased efforts to collect and curate data on non-native and possibly invasive Orthoptera in Europe. Such efforts will improve our understanding of this order's invasion dynamics, facilitate the identification of priority areas for conservation, and support the development of effective management policies and preventive measures.