First report of Scirtothrips aurantii in Sicilia (Italy)
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first suspected finding of Scirtothrips aurantii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. In January 2026, the Sicilian Regional Plant Protection Service received a report from the Entomology Laboratory of the University of Catania regarding suspected detections of S. aurantii in citrus growing areas of Catania and Siracusa provinces in Sicilia region on orange trees (Citrus x aurantium var. sinensis). The identity of the pest has been confirmed by morphological and molecular tests. Official surveys will be conducted when climatic conditions and the phenological state of plants are suitable for detection of S. aurantii.
The official pest status of Scirtothrips aurantii in Italy has not yet been determined.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2026-01).