The key to invasive pest management lies in preemptive action. However, most current research using species distribution models is conducted after an invasion has occurred. This study modeled the potential distribution of the globally notorious sweet potato pest, the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), that has not yet invaded Korea using MaxEnt. Using global occurrence data, bioclimatic variables, and topsoil characteristics, MaxEnt showed high explanatory power as both the training and test areas under the curve exceeded 0.9. Among the environmental variables used in this study, minimum temperature in the coldest month (BIO06), precipitation in the driest month (BIO14), mean diurnal range (BIO02), and bulk density (BDOD) were identified as key variables. The predicted global distribution showed high values in most countries where the species is currently present, with a significant potential invasion risk in most South American countries where C. formicarius is not yet present. In Korea, Jeju Island and the southwestern coasts of Jeollanam-do showed very high probabilities. The impact of climate change under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios indicated an expansion along coasts as climate change progresses. By applying the 10th percentile minimum training presence rule, the potential area of occurrence was estimated at 1,439 km2 under current climate conditions and could expand up to 9,485 km2 under the SSP585 scenario. However, the model predicted that an inland invasion would not be serious. The results of this study suggest a need to focus on the risk of invasion in islands and coastal areas.

새로운 문제해충을 찾아내려면 작물별로 전국적인 survey가 이루어져야 한다. 인력과 경비면 그리고 수행상의 어려움이 있으므로 경작자나 그 지역의 농촌지도소를 통하여 문의.의뢰된 해충들을 살펴보면 그 해의 대체적인 해충발생상황을 알아볼 수 있다고 생각된다. 농업기술연구소 곤충과에는 1988년 40건의 민원과 의뢰사항이 접수.처리되었다(표 1). 그중 해충동정 및 방제법에 대한 것이 31건, 현지발생행동조사 의뢰 3건, 해충관계자료에 대한 문의가 3건 등이었다. 접수된 민원중에서 일부를 제외하고 각 해충의 발생상황을 작물별로 기술하여 기록을 남김으로서 금후 연구를 의한 기초 자료로 제공코자한다.