Rapid-range-expansion
Guides
Choreutis sexfasciella
Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer Moth
Choreutis sexfasciella is a small moth in the family Choreutidae, commonly known as the Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer Moth. First described from the Philippines in 1902, the species has undergone rapid range expansion in recent years, establishing populations across the Mediterranean region, North America, and other areas. It is strongly associated with Ficus host plants, particularly Ficus microcarpa and F. benjamina, in urban environments. The species has been identified as a non-native invasive with observable socioeconomic impacts in introduced ranges.
Lasius emarginatus
ManhattAnt, Central European Bicolored Ant
Lasius emarginatus is a small formicine ant native to western Eurasia that has become a notable invasive species in North America. First discovered in New York City in 2011, it earned the nickname "ManhattAnt" and has since become one of the most common ants in the city, spreading at approximately 2 km per year into New Jersey and Long Island. Workers are distinguished by their reddish-brown thorax contrasting with darker brown head and abdomen. The species is increasingly reported as an indoor pest and forms mutualisms with honeydew-producing insects on street trees. Unlike many invasive ants, it does not display supercolonial behavior.