PROPAGATION, TROPHIC CONNECTION AND PHENOLOGY OF <i>METCALFA PRUINOSA</i> (SAY, 1830) (AUCHENORRHYNCHA: HEMIPTERA) IN N.N. GRYSHKO NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE

Abstract

In May 2016, larvae of the invasive species Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) were recorded for the first time on the territory of the botanical-geographic area ‘The Far East’ in the N.N. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv. During five years of observations, the insect managed to expand its range to other areas of the Botanical Garden and adjacent territories, where it reached a high population density. It is still the northernmost point of the insect’s detection on the territory of Ukraine. The range of M. pruinosa host plants was examined. The species lives on a large number of ornamental and synanthropic plants, fruit and vegetable crops which belong to 80 species from 55 families. The most susceptible to colonization by citrus cicada are: Rosaceae - 18 species, Aceraceae - 5 species, Oleacea e - 4 plant species. It has been found out that M. pruinosa has one generation per year. In the first decade of May, the appearance of cicada larvae is observed. The first adults are recorded in early or mid-July, depending on the meteorological conditions of the year. The complete disappearance of adults is observed at the end of August. The insect's development is limited by a minimum air temperature of 17-20 °С. In the future, it is necessary to monitor and analyze comprehensively those various factors that may affect the emergence, propagation, and survival of M. pruinosa on new territories.