April 24, 1992 Dear Science Journalist: Asian gypsy moths in the Pacific Northwest. Formosan termites in San Diego. Mediterranean fruit flies in Los Angeles. White flies in Southern California. Each of these species has recently invaded new habitats, accompanied by well-publicized warnings about their threat to forests, homes or crops. Measures to control invading species have frequently generated as much trepidation and controversy as the unwanted insects themselves. Here are four University of California, Davis, sources who might be helpful for your in-depth stories, with a brief description of their expertise and background. They can discuss the current and historical aspects of invasion biology, as well as evaluate the science and safety of certain control methods. • James R. Carey, Ph.D., professor of entomology, UC Davis, (916) 752-6217. Carey is an insect demographer and a member of the Medfly scientific advisory panel for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Using principles of invasion biology, Carey has come to the controversial conclusion that the Mediterranean fruit fly is established in California, rather than being periodically reintroduced to the state. Eradication efforts, he argues, must flow from an understanding of the biological status of the target population. He can talk about the basic principles of invasion biology and about lessons learned from the Medfly invasion of California. • Mary Louise Flint, Ph.D., Cooperative Extension entomologist, UC Integrated Pest Management program, (916) 752-7692. Flint's expertise is in integrated pest management, alternatives to pesticides and biological control of insects. She can talk in general about the use of the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as an alternative to more toxic chemical controls. Flint authored the book Pests of the Garden and Small Farm, published in 1990. • Geerat Vermeij, Ph.D., professor of geology, UC Davis, (916) 752-2234. A paleontologist, Vermeij studies historic effects of removing barriers to biological dispersal of species and the resulting invasions. He can describe the circumstances favorable to the establishment of invaders and to some extent the characteristics of invading species and how they differ from noninvading species. Humans have given plants and animals many opportunities to move in droves to relatively impoverished habitats that have been virtually cleared of natural rivals, according to a recent article Vermeij wrote for Science magazine. • Lester E. Ehler, Ph.D., professor of entomology, UC Davis, (916) 752-0484. Ehler is a staunch advocate for classical biological control of insects, which is his area of expertise. He points out that for more than a century natural enemies have been intentionally imported to control both native and introduced insect pests. More than 500 species of biological-control agents have been imported and released against almost 300 target pest species worldwide, Ehler says. He suggests that biological control is a proven technology with numerous advantageous over chemical controls, including a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio. In cases of invading exotic species, important public policy decisions turn on rather fine points of ecology and population biology. In-depth reporting can help raise the level of discussion and understanding in your community, as well as help you evaluate decisions for control of these pests. We hope these sources help you prepare original and probing stories on the subject. Sincerely, Carol Cruzan Morton Patricia Bailey News Service, life and physical sciences News Service, agricultural and environmental sciences (916) 752-7704 (916) 752-9843