Formation of Persistent Population of Invasive Species Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Auchenorrhyncha: Flatidae) in the South of Ukraine

Abstract

The formation of a persistent population of a new invasive species, citrus flatid planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa Say, 1830), is reported for the Ovidipol district, Odessa oblast, Ukraine. M. pruinosa originates from America. The imagoes of this insect species were observed during the surveys on fruit trees, fig trees, grape, and ornamental plants in private gardens; they were fixed with yellow sticky traps. Morphological description, features of the insect development, host plants, distribution ability, and importance are given for M. рruinosa as a potentially harmful insect in southern Ukraine. Taking into consideration that M. pruinosa continues to occupy rapidly a new territory and new host plants, it is necessary to perform phytosanitary monitoring of different crop cultures in southern Ukraine and to take action to restrict its development and to reduce its harmfulness using biological and chemical agents.