What contributes to the high reproductive rates of invasive insects?

The high reproductive rates of invasive insects are primarily attributed to a lack of natural enemies in their new environments. When invasive species are introduced to a region, they often leave behind the natural predators, parasites, and diseases that would typically control their populations in their native habitats. This absence of natural enemies allows them to reproduce more rapidly and establish themselves effectively in the new ecosystem.

In contrast, diverse habitats may provide resources, but they do not ensure higher reproductive rates without the proper ecological checks in place. Effective natural predators would actually reduce reproductive rates rather than enhance them. Limited access to host species may constrain some invasive insects, but many invasive species are highly adaptable and are capable of finding new hosts or resources to exploit. Therefore, the persistent reproductive success seen in invasive insects is most directly linked to the lack of their natural enemies in the new environment.