First report of Cacyreus marshalli in Algeria
In Algeria, unusual insect larvae on a Pelargonium peltatum plant were reported by a member of the public in June 2017. This plant had been bought two weeks before in a nursery located in Zeralda near Algiers. The diseased plant was sent to the University of Mostaganem which confirmed the presence of Cacyreus marshalli (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae - EPPO A2 List). While re-examining lists of lepidoptera found in Algeria, it was noted that C. marshalli had been caught in the municipality of Rouiba (near Algiers) during a study carried out in 2009-2010. For the moment, no damage has been observed on pelargonium plants near Algiers, nor the presence of the insect reported from other parts of Algeria.
The situation of Cacyreus marshalli in Algeria can be described as follows: Present, confirmed in June 2017 in one Pelargonium peltatum plant near Algiers.
Sources
Guenaoui Y, Rekad FZ, Labdaoui ZE (2017) Dégâts causés par Cacyreus marshalli sur des pélargoniums en Algérie. Phytoma no. 707, 44-46.