First report of Halyomorpha halys in Turkey
In Turkey, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was first observed and photographed in Istanbul in September 2017. However, no specimens were collected at that time to confirm the identity of the insect. In October 2017, samples of overwintering bugs were collected inside buildings in Kemalpaşa district (Artvine province) near the border with Georgia. The identity of H. halys was confirmed using morphological methods and voucher specimens were deposited at the Ordu University (TR). The detection of H. halys in this area of Turkey raises concerns about the damage it might cause to crops that are grown in the Black Sea region, such as hazelnut (Corylus avellana), tea (Camellia sinensis) and kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). Further studies are needed to verify the presence of established populations of H. halys in Turkey.
Sources
Çerçi B, Koçak Ö (2017) Further contribution to the Heteroptera (Hemiptera) fauna of Turkey with a new synonymy. Acta Biologica Turcica 30(4), 121-127.
Güncan A, Gümüş E (2019) Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera, Pentatomidae), a new and important pest in Turkey. Entomological News 128(2), 204-210.