Aponychus corpuzae found in Slovenia and Italy: first records in the EPPO region
In November 2012, Aponychus corpuzae (Acari: Tetranychidae) was recorded for the first time on Phyllostachys bambusoides (Poaceae, Bambuseae) in Southwestern Slovenia near Nova Gorica. Later on it was discovered on the same bamboo species in several places in the area, as well as in one place in Northeastern Italy (Gorizia) near the border with Slovenia. Its repeated findings for three consecutive years (2012-2014) suggest that the species has become established in this area. A. corpuzae feeds mainly on bamboos and originates from Asia (China, Japan, Korean peninsula). This is the first time that its presence is recorded in the EPPO region.
Sources
Seljak G (2015) The bamboo spider mite Aponychus corpuzae Rimando (Acari: Tetranychidae); first record in the West-Palaearctic. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 45(2), 199-204.