Insects as Invaders

Insects as Invaders — page 1 — It or Not Like Here They Come For each person on Earth there are 200 million bugs Most of these insects live in balanced ecosystems But if they are moved from their natural home to a new habitat they may become invasive Invasive insects spread quickly taking over habitats and ruining them for native species Eventually these pests may crowd out or kill local organisms 4

Insects as Invaders — page 2 — Nutria What is an invasive species It is a living thing that does not naturally occur in an ecosystem When introduced it causes harm to that ecosystem Not all invasive species are insects Invasive plants fish mammals and more all affect our natural ecosystems Kudzu a climbing vine Asian carp and furry nutria are just a few examples 5

Insects as Invaders — page 3 — Human activity helps to spread invasive insects from one location to another Sometimes bugs are brought to a new place on purpose in hopes that they will help solve a problem such as control an existing invader Other times they are moved by accident 6

Insects as Invaders — page 4 — Invasive insects or their larvae or eggs can hide in plant material and cargo They are then transported around the world by ships planes and land vehicles They can even catch a ride on a traveler’s clothes or luggage 7

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