Recent years have seen a worldwide increase in invasions by alien species, especially plants and insects, mostly due to trade and climate change. In Switzerland and in Europe, these invasive insects cause multiple problems of a sanitary nature (e.g. tiger mosquitoes as a vector of multiple diseases), or of economic nature in agriculture (e.g. brown marmorated stink bug, western corn rootworm) or forestry (e.g. Asian longhorned beetle). Furthermore, alien species are problematic from an environmental point of view, in particular due to negative impacts on native biodiversity. 

Currently, this complex interdisciplinary topic generates numerous monitoring or control methods (including quarantine organisms) by federal and cantonal or municipal authorities. The economic and environmental impacts are not negligible and efforts to understand population dynamics in invaded territories and mitigate negative effects are considerable. Numerous studies exist but still few in Alpine areas.

With this topical collection, we aim to refine our current knowledge on invasive species and plant-insect interactions in Alpine regions. We aim to provide an opportunity to publish research articles, or short communications on (for instance) trends or changes in biogeography of emblematic species, shifts in current distributions, or niche replacement. This list is of course not exhaustive and review articles would also be welcome. 

With this collection we hope to generate exciting discussions and exchange within the scientific community interested in this very particular and sensitive ecosystem! Alpine Entomology therefore invites you to submit manuscript(s) assessing possible impacts of invasive insects on mountain areas.

Article processing charges:
•    Invited authors will be granted a fee waiver
•    Otherwise, check https://alpineentomology.pensoft.net/about#ArticleProcessingCharges

Duration:
•    this topical collection is open from now for a duration of about 2 years.