Keywords (and why important): Insecticide resistance, agricultural pest, RNAi, Solanaceae, rapid evolution, invasive species.
The Colorado potato beetle originated from the Mexican highlands, and is now considered the economically most significant defoliator of potato in northern latitudes worldwide. The range of this insect is continuing to expand, and it is likely to eventually colonize all potato-producing areas with temperate climate. Within Mexico, the beetle feeds on native solanaceous plants, S. angustifolium, S. elaeagnifolium, and buffalo bur, S. rostratum. However, it has adapted to potatoes and other solanaceous crops after its range expansion.