The distribution and behaviour studies on a new invasive Buprestid species (Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva festiva (Linnaeus, 1767), (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Romania

Abstract

The Cypress Jewel Beetle (Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva subsp. festiva (Linnaeus 1767)), is a formerly rare and protected species, present in the red lists of most Western European countries. In Romania, before 2015 it was present only in the South-Western region and less than 10 specimens were collected. The species recently changed its host plants from wild Cupressaceae (Juniperus sp., Cupressus sp.) to cultivated Cupressaceae, the most affected one being Thuja occidentalis. In 2013 the first big invasion was recorded in Budapest, Hungary. In 2015, the species was found in two horticultural seedling stations in Bucharest. More recently, in 2017, it was recorded in Cluj-Napoca, and in 2018, in Timișoara, Oradea, Suceava. The article provides a short description of the adults, larva and the signs of the attacks on the host plants. The potential distribution of the species is discussed based on climate niche modelling. The daily behaviour of the adults and their preferences, based on observations, is also discussed. Equally, the bioethics related to this attack is analysed.