Invasive Insects: Implications for Plant Health, Animal Health, Public Health and the Environment

Global trade, refrigerated transport and a warming climate are all factors that increase the likelihood of invasive insects establishing. Ireland, on the edge of Europe, has typically benefitted as an island and also because invasive species are usually seen in GB before they make it across the Irish Sea.

One such species is the harlequin ladybird, which is well established in southern England but there have only been a few records in Ireland. However, it is also possible that some invasives will make it into Ireland directly, through the major seaports or through air carriage. This meeting will discuss the risks and management of invasive insects that can be disease vectors, plant pests and threats to biodiversity.

Tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided in refreshment breaks and a sandwich/buffet lunch will be available all for £15.00, to be booked in advance.

• Offers of presentation to archie.murchie@afbini.gov.uk cc stephen.jess@afbini.gov.uk by 31 May (please see details below).
• Registration to the Royal Entomological Society by 17 June.

Please see registration form on the website, send to Kirsty Whiteford at RES The Mansion House,

Chiswell Green Lane, St Albans, AL2 3NS, or kirsty@royensoc.co.uk.

The meeting will comprise a programme of short papers/presentations, each lasting 25-30 minutes

including discussion. There are four slots left for offered talks. Poster presentations are also

welcomed. The meeting is intended to be a relatively informal forum for the exchange of

information and ideas on invasive insects.

If you would like to offer a paper or poster contribution on this theme, please contact the Hon.

Regional Secretary by 31 May:

Dr Archie K. Murchie Email: archie.murchie@afbini.gov.uk

or

Dr Stephen Jess Email: stephen.jess@afbini.gov.uk

Applied Plant Science & Biometrics,

Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute,

Newforge Lane,

Belfast

BT9 5PX

• Jolyon Medlock (Health Protection Agency)

‘Invasive mosquitoes in Europe – current HPA mosquito surveillance in the UK

• Peter Brown (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology)

‘Monitoring invasive alien species in Britain and beyond’

• Roy Anderson (Environmental Consultant)
• John Kelly (Invasive Species Ireland)

Offered presentations should be 20 minutes long with 5 minutes for questions. Please try to keep to

this limit. A laptop will be available with Powerpoint 2003 installed.

The poster boards available are mixed. The majority of boards are suitable for mini-posters

measuring 60 cm x 90 cm portrait. Fixing is by Velcro hooks, which will be provided on the day.