Update on the situation of Draeculacephala robinsoni in France
Draeculacephala robinsoni (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was recorded for the first time in France in 2021 across 4 sites in Pyrénées-Orientales department (Occitanie region) (EPPO RS 2022/085). The entire genus Draeculacephala is regulated as a quarantine pest under EU Regulation 2019/2072.
In July 2024 a naturalist photographed a specimen of D. robinsoni in Lattes (Hérault department, Occitanie region) and submitted it to INRAE which confirmed the identity by molecular analysis. The NPPO conducted intensive monitoring but did not find any insects during three subsequent light-trapping operations on the same site or in sweeping activities by phytosanitary services across Occitanie.
The NPPO noted that this unofficial detection occurred 2400 m from a demarcated area for Xylella fastidiosa for which some species of the Draeculacephala genus are vectors.
The pest status of Draeculacephala robinsoni in France is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, at low prevalence.
Sources
NPPO of France (2025-01) |