Microorganisms and disease-mediated invasions affecting native insect conservation

Many authors have warned about a global insect decline, but few have underlined the role of invasive microorganisms as one of the factors driving insect loss. The introduction of plants and insects into new biogeographic regions due to human activities could bring about the cointroduction of potential pathogens that may threaten native insect diversity in invaded regions. Global trade and transport, combined with gaps in international policies of rearing insect species, lead to new invasions including the cointroduction of microorganisms. Insect pathogens include several groups of microorganisms that are difficult to detect. This chapter attempts to summarize the most relevant aspects that determine the role of coinvasive microorganisms in the decline of native insects. We highlight cointroductions of insect microorganisms, the risk of introducing them as biocontrol agents, spillover effects, and the side effects of using insects as a source of revenue.