Abstract
This book highlights studies on potential invasive pests, focusing on pests from South America, Central America and the islands of the Caribbean basin. These include the Coleopterans, followed by the Lepidopterans. The importance of several dipterans is also treated. Tephritid fruit flies are addressed, as well as a novel method for improved detection of Anastrepha larval infestation in citrus fruit. This section also presents preliminary information on gall midge pests and the recent invasions of Acarina in South America. The Hemiptera section covers basic knowledge of the passionvine mealybug Planococcus minor, the citrus orthezia Praelongorthezia praelonga, and recent invaders such as whiteflies, together with a description of potential invasive armored scales into the USA and the Caribbean region, and techniques to determine their likelihood for establishment. The last section includes analysis of the effect of alien species on native species and communities through herbivory, predation or parasitism. This is followed by addressing the likelihood of establishment following introductions of diaspidid scales into the USA. Inductive and deductive approaches in the modelling of insect pests and the risk of establishment and expansion are also discussed.