The current and future potential geographical distribution of the Italian locust, Calliptamus italicus(Linnaeus) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in China1

The Italian Locust, Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) , is one of the most harmful species to the grasslands in Xinjiang province, China. It attacks a variety of plants in Compositae, Chenopodiaceae and Gramineae. We used CLIMEX and ArcGIS to determine the potential geographical distribution of C. italicus in China under current and future climatic scenarios. Our analysis predicted that under current climatic conditions, C. italicus has a wide potential distribution in areas north of the Yangtze River in China. With the climatic changes, the potential range for C. italicus was projected to expand, and the suitability levels of most areas would increase, especially in areas with optimal climatic conditions. We therefore suggest that surveys should be enhanced in the areas suitable for C. italicus to facilitate early detection and reduce potential damage.