Invasive Alien Insects in India: A Review of Ecological Impacts, Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management

Abstract

Globalisation and expanding trade have increased opportunities for the introduction and establishment of invasive alien insects in India. The country’s diverse agro-climatic zones, varied habitats and extensive agricultural and forest resources create conditions in which introduced insects may establish, spread, and affect native biodiversity, ecosystem functions and human livelihoods. This review aims to synthesise available information on invasive alien insects in India, with emphasis on their invasiveness, ecological impacts, risk assessment, prevention, and management. A focused literature search was conducted using major academic databases. On the basis of the study objectives, a set of keywords and search terms was developed, including synonyms and related concepts, to broaden the scope of the search. This study highlights traits that facilitate invasion, including broad host range, high reproductive capacity, environmental tolerance, dispersal ability, insecticide resistance and interactions with host plants or native species. The review also summarises ecological consequences at genetic, population, community and ecosystem levels, including herbivory, predation, parasitism, competition, pathogen transmission, habitat disturbance and indirect effects on ecosystem processes. Risk analysis is discussed in relation to invasion pathways, climate matching, host availability, biogeographical similarity and quarantine capacity. Preventive approaches include pest risk analysis, inspection of imported goods, surveillance, early detection, and strict phytosanitary regulation. Management options include monitoring, biological control, selective chemical control, habitat management, resistant cultivars, mechanical measures, and integrated pest management. The review emphasises that coordinated surveillance, taxonomic expertise, regulatory enforcement, and eco-friendly management are required to reduce the impacts of invasive alien insects.