The importance of eco-evolutionary dynamics for predicting and managing insect range shifts

Evolutionary change impacts the rate at which insect pests, pollinators, or disease vectors expand or contract their geographic ranges. Although evolutionary changes, and their ecological feedbacks, strongly affect these risks and associated ecological and economic consequences, they are often underappreciated in management efforts. Greater rigor and scope in study design, coupled with innovative technologies and approaches, facilitates our understanding of the causes and consequences of ecoevolutionary dynamics in insect range shifts. Future efforts need to ensure that forecasts allow for demographic and evolutionary change and that management strategies will maximize (or minimize) the adaptive potential of range-shifting insects, with benefits for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Automated summary

Evolutionary change plays a significant role in the expansion or contraction of geographic ranges for insect pests, pollinators, or disease vectors. However, these effects are often overlooked in management efforts. Improved study design, innovative technologies, and comprehensive approaches are needed to understand the causes and consequences of ecoevolutionary dynamics in insect range shifts. Future efforts should incorporate demographic and evolutionary changes in forecasts and develop management strategies that maximize or minimize the adaptive potential of range-shifting insects, benefiting biodiversity and ecosystem services.