Thaumastocoris peregrinus found in Sicilia (IT)
Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae – EPPO Alert List) is a pest of eucalyptus. Originating from Australia, it has been introduced into Africa and South America where it has shown an invasive behaviour. In 2011, infestations were noticed for the first time in Italy in Lazio region (see EPPO RS 2012/147, 2012/234). In 2012, it was also found in Campania region, in the locality of Cercola (province of Napoli). In April 2014, during monitoring activities on eucalyptus pests, T. peregrinus was found in Sicilia on eucalyptus trees in urban and suburban areas in the municipalities of Catania and Palermo. Affected trees showed leaf discoloration and decay. The source of this infestation remains unknown. No phytosanitary measures were taken.
The pest status of Thaumastocoris peregrinus found in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas where host crop(s) are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2014-05).
INTERNET
- Regione Campania. Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero ; Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), cimicetta della bronzatura dell’Eucalipto. http://www.sito.regione.campania.it/agricoltura/difesa/files/Thaumastocoris.pdf