Current and Future Potential Distribution of the Flower Bud Fly (Dasiops saltans) in Pitahaya Cultivation in Northern Peru Under Climate Change Scenarios

Tuesta-Trauco K.M.; Canta-Ventura J.M.; Guelac-Santillan M.; Medina-Medina A.J.; Zabaleta-Santisteban J.A.; Rivera-Fernandez A.S.; Silva-Melendez T.B.; Grandez-Alberca M.A.; Salas López R.; Portocarrero C.; Oliva M.; Barboza E. · Insects (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/insects17020155

Resumen

Dasiops saltans is a small insect pest associated with pitahaya cultivation, whose occurrence is strongly influenced by specific environmental conditions. This study examined where this species could live in the Amazonas region by using models that identify areas with favourable conditions. With this approach, the current and future distribution of the insect was estimated, considering possible changes in climate. The results show that the places with the best conditions for the species may decrease slightly in the coming decades, while most of the region will continue to be unfavorable for its presence. The study also identified which environmental factors most influence where the insect can survive, highlighting the role of the terrain, soil characteristics and climate conditions related to temperature and moisture. These findings help us better understand the environmental limits of Dasiops saltans and provide useful information for decision-makers, farmers and local authorities, who can use this knowledge to improve management, monitoring and prevention strategies in agricultural areas.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas