Alientoma, a Dynamic Database for Alien Insects in Greece and Its Use by Citizen Scientists in Mapping Alien Species

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Biological invasions have become one of the most intimidating environmental and economic threats of our time as a result of the globalisation and the rise in international commerce, with alien insects representing one of the most abundant groups of organisms introduced into Europe. Over the last decade, citizen science has emerged as a valuable tool for the early detection and monitoring of alien species worldwide. The aim of this study is to introduce a dynamic checklist and database of these organisms in Greece, where a large number of alien insect species have been detected. Alientoma—derived from “alien” and the Greek word “entoma”, meaning insects—was created to provide information on alien species (i.e., status, distribution, taxonomy, common names, and impacts) to the public as well as to the scientific community in order to inform and assist in the mitigation of their adverse impacts. This project was promoted through news agencies, both in the press and television, while it also maintained a strong social media presence. Since its launch, 1512 sessions were performed by individuals mainly from Greece and Cyprus. An initial network of citizen scientists has been established and is expected to grow in the near future. ABSTRACT: Invasive alien species have been increasingly acknowledged as a major threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem services, while their adverse impacts expand to human health, society and the economy on a global scale. Insects represent one of the most numerous alien organismic groups, accounting for about one fifth of their total number. In Greece, a large number of alien insects have been identified, currently reaching 469 species. In recent decades, the contribution of citizen science towards detecting and mapping the distribution of alien insects has been steeply increasing. Addressing the need for up-to-date information on alien species as well as encouraging public participation in scientific research, the Alientoma website—derived from “alien” and the Greek word “entoma”, meaning insects, is presented. The website aims towards providing updated information on alien species of insects to the public as well as the scientific community, raising awareness about biological invasions and addressing their distribution and impacts inter alia. By maintaining a dynamic online database alongside a strong social media presence since its launch, Alientoma has attracted individuals mainly from Greece and Cyprus, interacting with the website through a total of 1512 sessions. Alientoma intends to establish a constantly increasing network of citizen scientists and to supplement early detection, monitoring and management efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of alien insects in Greece.