A review on introduced alien insect pests and their associated parasitoids on eucalyptus trees in Sicily

Abstract

A review is reported in the present paper on invasive alien insects introduced in Sicily on Eucalyptus trees, together with unpublished results from recent surveys. As to the latter ones, observations were conducted especially on Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Carpintero & Dellapé) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae), the most recently introduced species. Overall, eight alien insect pests have been accidentally introduced in the island on Eucalyptus, belonging to the orders Hemiptera (Aphalaridae, 2 spp.; Thaumastocoridae, 1 sp.), Coleoptera (Cerambycidae, 2 spp.; Curculionidae, 1 sp.) and Hymenoptera (Eulophidae, 2 spp.). Two encyrtid parasitoids, Avetianella longoi Siscaro and Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek, obtained from Phoracantha spp. and Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore respectively, and Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) attacking Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead), are also reported. Details on current distribution, host plants, morphological and biological remarks are given for each species.