New insects recorded in Slovenia in 2011
In Slovenia, the following 6 insect species have been recorded for the first time in 2011:
Aleuroclava aucubae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) – Aucuba whitefly
In November 2011, the presence of Aleuroclava aucubae was detected in a sample of lemon leaves that had been brought to the laboratory by a grower. The infestation of lemon plants was moderate (mostly 1-3 puparia per leaf). Further searching for puparia on potential host plants led to their discovery on leaves of Pittosporum tobira, Ligustrum lucidum, Photinia fraseri and Prunus lusitanica in a park in the city centre of Nova Gorica. It is supposed that A. aucubae could overwinter outdoors in Southwestern Slovenia, but this remains to be verified. For the moment, no damage has been reported. A. aucubae is a whitefly species originally described from Japan, which is most likely of Oriental origin. In Europe, it was recently recorded from the Veneto region in Italy (although originally misidentified as A. guyavae). In Veneto, it was found on greenhouse plants (Citrus limon, Ficus sycomorus) and outdoor plants (Pittosporum tobira, Prunus armeniaca, Photinia). It has also been recently introduced into California (US).
Tentative distribution list:
EPPO region: Italy (Veneto), Slovenia.
North America: USA (California).
Asia: China, Japan, Korea Republic, Taiwan.
Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae) – Elm sawfly
As reported in EPPO RS 2012/031, Aproceros leucopoda (EPPO Alert List) was first found in September 2011 at Rožna Dolina near Nova Gorica. Symptoms (zigzag feeding traces on elm leaves) were discovered at 2 other sites in and around Nova Gorica, as well as in the Botanical Garden of Ljubljana and the Arboretum Volčji Potok (near Ljubljana).
Ceroplastes ceriferus (Hemiptera: Coccidae) – Indian wax scale
In November 2011, Ceroplastes ceriferus (formerly EPPO Alert List) was observed on Acer palmatum plants in Ljubljana (Črnuče). According to the grower, the plants had been purchased in Italy. For the moment, C. ceriferus is not considered to be established in Slovenia but intercepted only. Although it probably survives in the sub-Mediterranean conditions of Southwestern Slovenia, it is not known if it could survive the winter conditions in Central Slovenia. C. ceriferus is thought to originate from Asia. In Europe, it has been intercepted on ornamentals and it is now established in some areas of Northern Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardia, Veneto – see EPPO RS 2002/135, 2005/017). C. ceriferus is a highly polyphagous scale (more than 50 plant families including many ornamental woody plants), but in most cases it is considered as an occasional pest of woody ornamentals.
Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) – Box-tree pyralid
The presence of Cydalima perspectalis (formerly EPPO Alert List) has been confirmed. The pest was found
on Buxus sempervirens in August 2011 at Ključarovci. The source of its introduction into Slovenia remains unknown.
Dichromothrips corbetti (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) – Vanda thrips
During a regular phytosanitary inspection of plant material in a market in Nova Gorica, several specimens of D. corbetti were collected from potted orchids (Phalaenopsis spp. imported from the Netherlands but their exact origin remains unknown). D. corbetti originates from Southeastern Asia but has been introduced by the trade of orchids into other parts of the world. In Europe, it has been repeatedly intercepted on orchids. However, in temperate climate conditions, this tropical thrips species can only survive indoors. D.;corbetti is a specialist orchid feeder (e.g. Ascocenda, Phalaenopsis, Vanda). Damage to flowers consists of numerous punctures (minute discoloured areas). It is noted that the present phytosanitary status of D. corbetti in Slovenia should be considered as an interception.
Tentative distribution list:
EPPO region: Belgium, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovenia (intercepted only).
America: Puerto Rico, USA (Florida, Hawaii).
Asia: India, Indonesia, Malaysia (West), Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand.
Oceania: Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland), Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa.
Pealius azalea (Hemiptera – Aleyrodidae) – Azalea whitefly
In May 2011, a heavy infestation of Pealius azalea was observed on azalea (Rhododendron indicum) leaves in a private garden in Šempeter pri Gorici (near Nova Gorica). As the infested azalea plants had been grown for several years, the origin of this infestation remains unknown. P. azalea is considered to be a minor pest of azaleas (R. ponticum, R. indicum, R. mucronatum. R. schippenbachii), in particular on those cultivated in glasshouses.
Sources
Seljak G (2012) Six new alien phytophagous insect species recorded in Slovenia in 2011. Acta Entomologica Slovenica 20(1), 31-44.