Update on the situation of Thaumastocoris peregrinus in Lazio region (IT)
As reported in EPPO RS 2012/147, Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae – EPPO Alert List) was first found in 2011 in Lazio region, Italy. During monitoring activities concerning another eucalyptus pest (Glycaspis brimblecombei), the presence of T. peregrinus was first noticed in August 2011 in Rome and its surroundings on several eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. gomphocephala, E. bridgesiana, and the hybrids E. camaldulensis x E. bicostata, E. camaldulensis x E. grandis). It is estimated that in Lazio region, 8 ha of eucalyptus plantation and the urban park ‘Santa Maria di Galeria’ are infested. The origin of this introduction is unknown. No specific measures have been taken in Lazio region, as no effective control measures are currently available against this pest.
The pest status of Thaumastocoris peregrinus in Italy is officially declared as: Present, restricted area near Rome.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2012-10).