Evaluating the Spatial Synchrony Between the Spiny Shieldbug and the Colorado Potato Beetle Under Climate Change

As a widespread pest renowned for its rapid adaptation to insecticides, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) poses a severe threat to global potato production, necessitating the exploration of alternative control technologies. This study focuses on the spiny shieldbug (Picromerus bidens), a generalist predator, as a potential biological control agent. Using CLIMEX modeling, we assessed the potential distribution dynamics of both the pest and its predator under climate change. The results show that while both species are currently widespread globally, climate change will impact them differently: the suitable habitat for L. decemlineata will remain relatively stable, whereas the range for P. bidens is expected to shrink and shift toward higher latitudes. Despite this reduction, the high degree of spatial overlap between the two species supports the feasibility of using P. bidens in integrated pest management.