First report of Platynota stultana in Italy
Platynota stultana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae – omnivorous leafroller- EPPO A2 List) is reported for the first time from Italy. After an entomologist reported on an Internet forum on Lepidoptera that he caught 2 specimens in a light trap in Puglia region (near Zapponeta) in 2020, scientists carried out monitoring activities between May and October 2022 in two locations in the Puglia region (in Manfredonia and Margherita di Savoia) and three locations in the neighbouring region of Molise (in Montenero di Bisaccia, Campomarino, and Ferrazzano). Monitoring surveys included the use of pheromone traps, light traps and entomological nets. Overall, 11 specimens of P. stultana were caught with pheromone traps: 10 in Manfredonia (in August and in October 2022) and 1 in Margherita di Savoia (August 2022). The use of entomological nets and light traps did not lead to the capture of specimens. It is not clear from this report whether P. stultana is established in this area or not.
The situation of Platynota stultana in Italy can be described as follows: Present: not widely distributed and not under official control.
Sources
Trematerra P, Colacci M (2022) Platynota stultana Walsingham, 1884 (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) found in Italy, invasive pest in Europe. Redia 105, 183-189. http://dx.doi.org/10.19263/REDIA-105.22.23