Expansion of the range of the introduced moth Acontia candefacta in southeastern Europe.

Abstract

The nearctic moth Acontia candefacta (Lepidoptera Noctuidae) is expanding its range in Europe. The species is considered a successful agent for biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asterales Asteraceae), a weed whose pollen causes allergies in humans. A few additional findings of the moth have been recorded at several new sites in southeastern Europe (Serbia) using light trapping. We here present and discuss the current distribution of the moth in Europe and the paths of its spreading on the basis of GIS data. GIS technology was used to map the distribution and quantify values of environmental variables within the range of the analysed moth species. Additionally, the potential colonization of the moth across Europe is modelled on the basis of its current distribution, environmental variables and the host plant's distribution.