Spatial Distribution of the Invasive Hornet Vespa velutina Along a Rural-Urban Gradient in a Coastal Spanish City

Abstract

[Abstract] Urban areas are characterized by distinct environmental constraints that influence biodiversity and its spatial distribution patterns. Air, light, and noise pollution, together with reduced vegetation cover, are among the stressors defining urban ecosystems. Such conditions may facilitate the establishment of opportunistic species, including invasive alien species. In this study, we assess how the rural-urban gradient of the city of A Coruña (Spain) influences the spatial distribution of Vespa velutina, a species that has invaded large areas of East Asia and Europe. We combined spatially explicit data on air pollutants, day and night noise levels, artificial light intensity, and vegetation cover derived from satellite imagery. Vespa velutina abundance was quantified using 199 traps, and spatial clustering was analysed using hotspot analysis. Citizen-reported nest density was included as a control variable to account for proximity to established colonies. Relationships between hotspot intensity and environmental predictors were assessed using regression models that account for spatial autocorrelation. Vespa velutina hotspot intensity was negatively associated with vegetation cover and positively with noise and air pollution. In contrast, light pollution and nest density were not statistically significantly associated with hotspot intensity when spatial dependence was accounted for. Overall, results suggest that V. velutina is not negatively constrained by urban environments, consistent with its generalist ecological behavior. These findings suggest that increased urban naturalization, promoted through green infrastructure and a reduction of urban stressor intensity, may help modulate the success of invasive species such as V. velutina in cities.