First record of Leptocybe invasa in Portugal
In Portugal, galls resembling those formed by Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae – EPPO Alert List) were observed on eucalyptus leaves in the northeast of Alentejo in January 2003. Eucalyptus branches with gall formations were brought to the laboratory and kept in plastic cages until the emergence of the adults. Emerging wasps were identified as L. invasa. Considering the potential economic and environmental impact of such a pest, surveys of eucalyptus plantations were initiated in 2003, and intensified in 2004, at first in eastern Alentejo and Algarve, and then extended to other regions. At present, the pest has been found in the southern and central parts of Portugal (approximately up to latitude 40°N). L. invasa was mainly found in Eucalyptus camaldulensis, although it was also observed in several E. globulus trees growing along a road and on E. tereticornis seedlings in a nursery. During this survey, Ophelimus maskelli was not found. The EPPO Secretariat had previously no data on the occurrence of L. invasa in Portugal.
Sources
Branco M, Franco JC, Valente C, Mendel Z (2006) Survey of Eucalyptus gall wasps in Portugal. Boletín de Sanidad Vegetal – Plagas 32(2), 199-202.