First report of Oligonychus yothersi in Europe
Oligonychus yothersi (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a highly polyphagous spider mite reported from the Americas, China and Iran. It has been reported on over 80 host plant species, from over 40 families. It has been reported to cause damage to many economically important hosts, including mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana), coffee (Coffea arabica), rose (Rosa sp.), apple (Malus domestica), and chestnut (Castanea sativa).
O. yothersi was recently reported for the first time in Europe, infesting a wide range of host plants in the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), Islas Canarias (Spain), and Sicilia (Italy). Infested plants showed symptomatic rusting and chlorotic leaves.
- Azores and Madeira (Portugal)
Following surveys in 2015 and 2024 in the Azores, O. yothersi was reported on Faial, Flores, Pico and São Miguel islands. Limited damage was reported. O. yothersi was reported on Acacia melanoxylon, Camellia japonica*, C. sativa, Lycium europaeum*, M. domestica, Myrica faya*, Persea indica*, Pittosporum undulatum*, Platanus x hispanica*, Plumeria alba*, Quercus palustris*, Quercus robur*, Reynoutria japonica*, Rhododendron indicum*, Rosa sp., Vitis sp., and Vitis vinifera.
Following surveys in 2022 on the Madeira archipelago, O. yothersi was reported on Annona cherimola*, Laurus novocanariensis* and mango on Madeira island.
- Islas Canarias (Spain)
O. yothersi was found during surveys conducted in 2006 on myrtle (Myrtus communis*) on the island of Tenerife.
- Sicilia (Italy)
Following surveys in Palermo and Messina provinces, in April and July 2025, a high level of infestation and damage was reported on cultivated mango in both provinces.
The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular testing. Borges Silva et al. (2025) consider that introduction was most likely through plant trade.
Borges Silva et al. (2025) note that O. yothersi does not cause major damage in Islas Canarias, Azores and Madeira, and that the species may have been introduced several years ago. On the contrary, in Sicilia, O. yothersi is damaging on mango and its introduction is likely to be recent and result from a single introduction.
* indicates newly reported hosts
Sources
Borges Silva L, Migeon A, Auger P, Andolina F, Ferragut F, Giordano T, Naves P, Silva L, Tsolakis H, Navia D (2025) The spider mite Oligonychus yothersi (Acari: Tetranychidae), a new alien pest in Europe: joint records from insular Portugal, Spain and Italy revealed by integrative taxonomy. Acarologia 65(4), 1213-1224. https://doi.org/10.24349/vjai-u7f7