First record of Paysandisia archon in Sicilia (Italy)
In Italy, Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae – EPPO Alert List) was reported for the first time in November 2002 along the seafront of Salerno (Campania). At that time, only adults were observed. The pest was found again in 2003 in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche), and in 2004 in the province of Pistoia (Toscana), in both cases it was found on palms growing in nurseries. In Sicilia, damage of P. archon was observed in 2004 on container plants of Chamaerops humilis in a nursery in the province of Catania. A the beginning of 2005, a larva of P. archon was detected in a 10-year old C. humilis planted in a nursery field. The plant was destroyed, and preventive chemical treatments were applied in the nursery concerned. So far, the pest has not been detected on the west part of the island (provinces of Trapani and Palermo) where some palm nurseries are also located. At present, the distribution of P. archon in Sicilia is considered to be limited to a few foci. However, it is felt that further surveys should be carried out. This is the first report of P. archon in Sicilia.
Sources
Colazza S, Privitera S, Campo G, Peri E, Riolo P (2005) Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) a new record for Sicily.
Informatore Fitopatologico no. 5, 56-57.