Paysandisia archon found in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (IT)
In 2009, Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae – EPPO A2 List) was found in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. The pest was discovered in a campsite in the municipality of Grado (Gorizia province) on several plants of Trachycarpus fortunei and Chamaerops humilis which had been planted there for more than 3 years. Four specimens of P. archon could be recovered from the infested palm trees. However, as a chemical treatment had been applied all recovered stages (larvae and pupae) were dead. Further surveys conducted near the infested site did not detect the pest. However, a monitoring programme will continue during the next growing season.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2009-12).