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Temporal dynamics and global flows of insect invasions in an era of globalization

Nature Reviews Biodiversity volume 1, pages 90–103 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Human-mediated transport has led to the establishment of more than 6,700 non-native insect species with wide-ranging effects on ecosystems, economies and human health. Understanding how different aspects of globalization affect the spread of non-native insects is crucial to reducing their effects. In this Review, we explore current and historical patterns, drivers and dynamics of global insect invasions facilitated by humans since prehistory. Multiple aspects of the history of globalization have influenced invasion dynamics, including the spread of agricultural practices in the Neolithic period, the advent of early empires and their trade routes, colonization, geopolitical events, wars and economic crises. Technological innovations such as steam ships, containerization and the internet have further accelerated global insect invasions. Spatial invasion patterns are characterized by frequent secondary spread via bridgehead populations, asymmetric intercontinental species flows originating disproportionally from Europe, and biotic homogenization of communities. Insect invasions are predicted to increase dramatically and their dynamics will shift, especially with the opening of trade routes and introduction pathways. Inspection at ports of entry and early detection systems are crucial to inform mitigation efforts. Future interdisciplinary collaborations will integrate knowledge from diverse and emerging data sources and technologies, advancing our understanding of insect invasion biology.

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Fig. 1: The globalization of insect dispersal.
Fig. 2: Timeline of events increasing global insect dispersal.
Fig. 3: Intercontinental species flow of non-native insects.
Fig. 4: Number of non-native insect establishments per region over time.
Fig. 5: The variability of global trade flows.
Fig. 6: Geographic knowledge gaps in insect occurrence.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge support by grants from the Swiss canton Vaud, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF grant 310030_192619) and the SERI-funded ERC grant SPREAD (MB22.00086). C.B. and J.R.G. also acknowledge support from Fondation Herbette for the sabbatical visit of J.R.G. to the University of Lausanne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Cleo Bertelsmeier, Aymeric Bonnamour, Tongyi Liu, Rosaëlle Perreault & Sébastien Ollier

  2. College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA

    Jeff R. Garnas

  3. Department of Ecology, Systematics and Evolution, University Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France

    Sébastien Ollier

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Related links

EDDMapS: www.eddmaps.orgFirstRecord: https://dataportal.senckenberg.de/dataset/global-alien-species-first-record-database

Global Biodiversity Information Facility: www.gbif.org

iNaturalist: www.inaturalist.org

WildSpotter: www.wildspotter.org

Glossary

Acclimatization societies

Societies dedicated to the establishment of non-native species for the perceived improvement of the local flora and fauna for aesthetic and economic purposes.

Bridgehead effects

Secondary spread of species from established non-native populations.

Invasion debts

Invasions predicted to occur on the basis of past events.

Jump dispersal

Discontinuous long-distance dispersal.

Native species

Species that have not established outside their native range.

Non-native species

Species introduced outside their native range that have established a self-sustaining population.

Propagule pressure

Number of individuals introduced or the frequency of introduction events.

Sentinel gardens

Plantation of a variety of host plant species, which can provide early warning of non-native insect species that can use them as hosts.

Slippage

Introduction of a known quarantine pest that was not detected at port.

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Bertelsmeier, C., Bonnamour, A., Garnas, J.R. et al. Temporal dynamics and global flows of insect invasions in an era of globalization. Nat. Rev. Biodivers. 1, 90–103 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44358-025-00016-1

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