Population Genetics of Invasive Insect Species

Population genetics provides a framework for understanding how invasive insect species establish, spread and adapt in new environments. By analysing patterns of genetic variation within and between populations, researchers can reconstruct invasion pathways, assess the role of multiple introductions and identify genetic factors that underlie rapid adaptation to novel climates, hosts or control measures. Molecular markers—ranging from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites to genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms—reveal levels of genetic diversity, degrees of gene flow and signatures of demographic change such as bottlenecks or expansions. Insights into population structure inform quarantine strategies and targeted management, while detection of adaptive loci guides the development of sustainable control approaches. Globally, these studies underpin efforts to protect agriculture, forestry and natural ecosystems from pest outbreaks and vector-borne diseases.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Analyses of the tea green leafhopper across its main production regions in East Asia have employed microsatellite markers to map genetic structure in nineteen Chinese populations and one Japanese population. Results indicate low to moderate differentiation with four primary clusters corresponding to geographic regions. Evidence of isolation by distance emerges despite frequent gene flow, and genetic bottlenecks in some areas contrast with population expansion in others. These findings refine knowledge of the pest’s origin and dispersal, highlighting regions where monitoring and control efforts should be intensified to prevent further spread.

Population Genetics of Invasive Insect Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in population genetics of invasive insect species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Genetic diversity: Variation in genetic composition among individuals within a population, reflecting its evolutionary potential.

Gene flow: Movement of genes or alleles between populations, often reducing genetic differentiation.

Population structure: Arrangement of genetic variation across space or groups, indicating barriers to gene flow or demographic history.

Isolation by distance (IBD): Pattern in which genetic similarity declines with increasing geographic separation.

Genotype–environment association: Statistical link between genetic variants and environmental variables, suggestive of local adaptation.

References

1. Population structure and genetic differentiation of tea green leafhopper, Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii, in China based on microsatellite markers. Scientific Reports (2019).
2. Extreme genetic signatures of local adaptation in a notorious rice pest, Chilo suppressalis. National Science Review (2024).
3. Population genetics and ecological niche modelling provide insights into management strategies of the herbivorous pest Phytomyza horticola (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Diversity and Distributions (2023).
4. Population expansion and genomic adaptation to agricultural environments of the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens. Evolutionary Applications (2020).