First report of Pochazia shantungensis in Corse (France)
In France, Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae - EPPO Alert List) was first recorded in 2018 in a garden in Cagnes-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region) and again in the same location in 2019 and 2021 (EPPO RS 2021/129, RS 2022/001), as well as in Montpellier (Hérault department, Occitanie region) in 2022 (RS 2023/011). In each site, only a few specimens have been observed.
During official surveys in Corse (Haute-Corse department), an adult specimen of P. shantungensis was detected on a sticky trap on the site of a retailer of ornamental plants. Reinforced surveillance (4 additional traps and visual inspections) was implemented within a radius of 500 m around the detection site. As a result, 10 adults were captured between August and November 2023 and larvae were observed in September. Moreover, adults, larvae and exuvia were also detected by another retailer located 6 km away from the first one at the end of October/beginning of November 2023. No damage was observed on plants during the inspections. Further reinforced surveillance as well as awareness raising activities will be implemented in 2024.
The official pest status of Pochazia shantungensis in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2024-07).