An innovative scanning harmonic radar has been recently developed for tracking insects in complex landscapes. This movable technology has been tested on an invasive hornet species (Vespa velutina) for detecting the position of their nests in the environment, in the framework of an early detection strategy. The new model of harmonic radar proved to be effective in tracking hornets either in open landscapes, hilly environments and areas characterised by the presence of more obstacles, such as woodlands and urban areas. Hornets were effectively tracked in complex landscapes for a mean tracking length of 96±62m with maximum values of~300m. The effectiveness of locating nests was 75% in new invasive outbreaks and 60% in highly density colonised areas. Furthermore, this technology could provide information on several aspects of insect's ecology and biology. In this case, new insights were obtained about the mean foraging range of V. velutina (395±208m with a maximum value of 786m) and flying features (ground speed), which was 6.66±2.31ms-1 for foraging individuals (hornets that are not carrying prey's pellet) and 4.06±1.34ms-1 for homing individuals.

Tracking the invasive hornet Vespa velutina in complex environments by means of a harmonic radar

Lioy, Simone
First
;
Laurino, Daniela;Mazzoglio, Peter J;Manino, Aulo;Porporato, Marco
Last
2021-01-01

Abstract

An innovative scanning harmonic radar has been recently developed for tracking insects in complex landscapes. This movable technology has been tested on an invasive hornet species (Vespa velutina) for detecting the position of their nests in the environment, in the framework of an early detection strategy. The new model of harmonic radar proved to be effective in tracking hornets either in open landscapes, hilly environments and areas characterised by the presence of more obstacles, such as woodlands and urban areas. Hornets were effectively tracked in complex landscapes for a mean tracking length of 96±62m with maximum values of~300m. The effectiveness of locating nests was 75% in new invasive outbreaks and 60% in highly density colonised areas. Furthermore, this technology could provide information on several aspects of insect's ecology and biology. In this case, new insights were obtained about the mean foraging range of V. velutina (395±208m with a maximum value of 786m) and flying features (ground speed), which was 6.66±2.31ms-1 for foraging individuals (hornets that are not carrying prey's pellet) and 4.06±1.34ms-1 for homing individuals.
2021
11
1
12143
12143
Lioy, Simone; Laurino, Daniela; Maggiora, Riccardo; Milanesio, Daniele; Saccani, Maurice; Mazzoglio, Peter J; Manino, Aulo; Porporato, Marco
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Lioy et al. 2021 - Sci Rep - Radar.pdf

Accesso aperto

Descrizione: Articolo principale
Tipo di file: PDF EDITORIALE
Dimensione 2.22 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.22 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1790298
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 6
  • Scopus 12
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 11
social impact