The first data on the study of Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Kherson region of Ukraine

Abstract

Oak lace bug (OLB) Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) is native to North America. In 2000 it got to Italy and has spread for recent 20 years in many countries in Europe. In 2017 OLB first registered in Kherson region of Ukraine. The aim of the research was to summarize the first data on oak lace bug spread in Ukraine. The studies were carried out in 2020 at 31 sample plots in the south-western part of the Kherson region (46°10 ' to 47°21' N, 32°10' to 33°05' E). The sample plots were located in forest stands, shelterbelts, and oaks in cities. The age of inspected stands is from 25 to 250 years old.
 The presence of oak lace bug and the threat to oak trees was assessed by a point system: 0 – OLB is absent; 1 – single, one egg mass per whole plot; 2 – rare, below 10% of trees damaged; 3 – common, OLB presents not in all trees, foliage damage up to 50%; 4 – widespread, OLB presents in all trees, foliage damage up to 100%. The weighted average score of OLB presence was evaluated for different groups of stands and some of their characteristics.
 The specimens of OLB and the traces of their vital activity were found at 19 sample plots (61,3%). At 51.6% of sample plots examined the OLB was common or widespread. The pest is widespread at 8 sample plots, including oaks in cities Kherson, Oleshki, and Hola Prystan, Doslidne forestry of the Steppe branch of Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry & Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky (URIFFM) and Burkutske forestry of the Velikokopanske Forest & Hunting Enterprise.
 Mean OLB score is higher in forests than in shelterbelts and has a trend to increase with oak age. The highest OLB infestation was assessed in the sample plots neighbouring city streets and forest roads and in the sample plots near the waterway. The proportion of SP with common and widespread OLB from all inhabited plots near city streets, forest roads, and waterways exceeds 80%.
 The data obtained can be considered preliminary, since the reproduction, distribution, and settlement of the oak lace bug in the territory of the Kherson region began only 2 years ago.