First records of Eutetranychus banksi and E. africanus in Madeira (Portugal)
In Portugal, Eutetranychus banksi (Acari: Tetranychidae) was first reported on the mainland in 1999. In Madeira Island, the first specimens of E. banski were recorded in 2020. They were recorded on citrus species, as well as on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a new host record for this species. Sampled plants did not show any significant damage.
The same article reports for the first time the occurrence of Eutetranychus africanus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Madeira in 2022 on Citrus medica (new host), Carica papaya, Vitis vinifera and Ricinus communis. This is a first record of this species for the EU. E. africanus is mainly found in regions with tropical or sub-tropical climates but it is already present in Egypt and Iran. Its presence in Northern Iran suggests its ability to survive cold winters, and therefore this species may represent an additional challenge for citrus orchards of the Mediterranean basin.
Sources
Naves P, Aguiar AF, Santosa M, Nóbrega F, Varela AR, Silvaa MJ, Migeon A, Navia D, Auger P (2023) Two new alien Eutetranychus mites (Prostigmata, Tetranychidae) for Madeira Island, Portugal. Acarologia 63(4), 1154-1162. https://doi.org/10.24349/t82c-9sz9