Tingidae Research Articles

Diffusive Phyllosphere Microbiome Potentially Regulates Harm and Defence Interactions Between Stephanitis nashi and Its Crabapple Host.

Pear lace bug (Stephanitis nashi) is a significant herbivorous pest, harbouring a diverse microbiome crucial for crabapple (Malus sp.) host adaptation. However, the mutual influence of S. nashi- and plant-associated microbiomes on plant responses to pest damage remains unclear. This study found that S. nashi damage significantly altered bacterial community structure and reduced bacterial evenness in the crabapple phyllosphere. Notably, bacterial diversity within S. nashi was significantly lower than that in the environment, potentially influenced by insect developmental stage, bacterial diffusion stage and endosymbiont species number and abundance. Extensive bacterial correlation and diffusion effect between S. nashi and adjacent plant environments were observed, evident in a gradual decrease in bacterial diversity and an increase in bacterial acquisition ratio from soil to phyllosphere to S. nashi. Correspondingly, S. nashi significantly impacted the metabolic response of crabapple leaves, altering pathways involved in vitamin, amino acid and lipid metabolism and so forth. Furthermore, association analysis linked these metabolic changes to phyllosphere bacterial alterations, emphasizing the important role of diffusive phyllosphere microbiome in regulating S. nashi-crabapple interactions. This study highlights bacterial diffusion effect between insect and plants and their potential role in regulating insect adaptability and plant defence responses, providing new insights into plant-insect-microbiome interactions.

The Effect of Spinosad on the Oak Lace Bug Corythucha arcuata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)-A Preliminary Study Performed Under Laboratory Conditions.

The effect of biopesticide compound spinosad in different concentrations was tested for the first time under laboratory conditions against the rapidly spreading forest pest, oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata, Say 1832), and its effects were compared with the synthetic pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin. These results revealed a significant effect of spinosad at 2 mL/4 L and 2 mL/2 L water concentrations against C. arcuata nymphs. The mortality rate after 3 days was similar to synthetic insecticide effects and reached 94% and 98%, respectively. Overall, it can be concluded that spinosad is an effective biological method to control oak lace bug; treatments under field conditions should consider the high diversity of other insects in oak forests.

Global Invasion History and Genomic Signatures of Adaptation of the Highly Invasive Sycamore Lace Bug.

Invasive species cause massive economic and ecological damage. Climate change has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the number and impact of invasive species; however, the mechanisms underlying these invasions are unclear. The sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata, is a highly invasive species originating from North America and has expanded across the Northern Hemisphere since the 1960s. In this study, we assembled the C. ciliata genome using high-coverage Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), Illumina, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing. A total of 15,278 protein-coding genes were identified, and expansions of gene families with oxidoreductase and metabolic activities were observed. In-depth resequencing of 402 samples from native and nine invaded countries across three continents revealed 2.74 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. Two major invasion routes of C. ciliata were identified from North America to Europe and Japan, with a contact zone forming in East Asia. Genomic signatures of selection associated with invasion and long-term balancing selection in native ranges were identified. These genomic signatures overlapped with expanded genes, suggesting improvements in the oxidative stress and thermal tolerance of C. ciliata. These findings offer valuable insights into the genomic architecture and adaptive evolution underlying the invasive capabilities of species during rapid environmental changes.

Fast spread of Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Slovakia during the period 2020–2022

Abstract This research examines the rapid spread of the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832), in Slovakia from 2020 to 2022. A native of the Nearctic region, this pest was first detected in Europe back in 2000 and has since extended across considerable part of the continent. Monitoring efforts revealed its presence in Slovakia in 2018, with subsequent surveys showing its distribution through the southern region and a northward expansion. The pest mainly infests oak trees, and in 2022, it was seen there on as many as 87% of the plots. Out of a total of 233 locations visited in the period 2020–2022, the bug was found on 169 sites, which represents 72.5%. The study identified the pedunculate and Turkey oak as primary host-plants. The results provided a clear trend from the bugs moving further north with each passing year, covering an estimated total distance of 84.5 km over the three-year timeframe. Factors influencing its spread included passive transport via vehicles and possible wind-assisted dispersal on a local scale. The study also highlights the need for continuous monitoring and management strategies to mitigate its impact on oak ecosystems.

Toxicity of botanical insecticides on different species of lace bugs

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils (EO) from Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae) and Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae), commercial oil (CO) from Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), and ethanolic extracts (EE) of Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae) and Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) on lace bugs (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The study also investigated the effects of exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species on insecticide toxicity. The results indicated that assessing lace bug toxicity via contact with contaminated filter paper is a more effective method. Adding 5% detergent to E. citriodora EO 1% increased the mean mortality rates of the lace bug Gargaphia lunulata and Corythaica passiflorae from 34.11% to 94.00%. A. sativum EO 10%, E. citriodora EO 1%, and A. indica CO 1%, when combined with 5% detergent, caused high mortality rates in G. lunulata (76.00%, 77.67%, and 80.73%, respectively). However, these insecticides without detergent caused lower mortality in C. passiflorae (15.44%, 20.09%, and 11.15%, respectively), highlighting the significant impact of surfactant addition on the toxicity of essential and commercial oils. Piper nigrum EE 10% was toxic to all lace bug species. Conversely, the toxicity of Eugenia caryophyllata EE 10% varied among species, with mortality rates of 40% in G. lunulata, an average of 76.00% in Ulotingis sp. and Vartiga illudens, and 95.48% in C. passiflorae. In conclusion, despite variations in toxicity due to exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species in laboratory bioassays, the botanical insecticides studied show promise for lace bug control.

Comparative Metabolomic Responses of Three Rhododendron Cultivars to the Azalea Lace Bug (Stephanitis pyrioides).

Rhododendron, with its high ornamental value and ecological benefits, is severely impacted by the azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides), one of its primary pests. This study utilized three Rhododendron cultivars, 'Zihe', 'Yanzhimi', and 'Taile', to conduct a non-targeted metabolomic analysis of leaf samples before and after azalea lace bug stress using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GCMS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). A total of 81 volatile metabolites across 11 categories and 448 nonvolatile metabolites across 55 categories were detected. Significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed among the different cultivars after pest stress. A total of 47 volatile compounds and 49 nonvolatile metabolites were upregulated in the most susceptible cultivar 'Zihe', including terpenes, alcohols, nucleotides, amino acids, and carbohydrates, which are involved in energy production and secondary metabolism. Conversely, 'Yanzhimi' showed a downtrend in both the differential volatiles and metabolites related to purine metabolism and zeatin biosynthesis under pest stress. The resistant cultivar 'Taile' exhibited moderate changes, with 17 volatile compounds and 17 nonvolatile compounds being upregulated and enriched in the biosynthesis of amino acids, pentose, glucuronate interconversions, carbon metabolism, etc. The phenylalanine metabolic pathway played an important role in the pest resistance of different susceptible cultivars, and relevant metabolites such as phenylethyl alcohol, methyl salicylate, and apigenin may be involved in the plant's resistance response. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the metabolomics of Rhododendron-insect interactions and offer references for the development of pest control strategies.

New parasitoids of Corythucha arcuata (Say) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Bulgaria

During the period 2019-2020, parasitoids of invasive oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) were studied in Bulgaria. Biological material (larvae of C. arcuata) was collected from European oak (Quercus robur) or Austrian oak (Quercus cerris) in five localities of the country. Five eulophid specimens (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were reared from the host larvae: Tamarixia pubescens, Elasmus sp., Minotetrastichus sp., Pnigalio sp. and Sympiesis sp. The impact of the parasitoids on the host number was very low (0.1-0.3%). The present records in Bulgaria are the first documented case of adaptation of native parasitoids to the host in the newly occupied areas in Europe and Asia.  

The ongoing range expansion of the invasive oak lace bug across Europe: current occurrence and potential distribution under climate change

In recent years, the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata, has emerged as a significant threat to European oak forests. This species, native to North America, has in the last two decades rapidly extended its range in Europe, raising concerns about its potential impact on the continent's invaluable oak populations. To address this growing concern, we conducted an extensive study to assess the distribution, colonization patterns, and potential ecological niche of the oak lace bug in Europe.We gathered 1792 unique presence coordinates from 21 Eurasian countries, utilizing diverse sources such as research observations, citizen science initiatives, GBIF database, and social media reports. To delineate the realized niche and future distribution, we employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) framework. Two future greenhouse gas scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were considered across three-time intervals (2021–2040, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) to project and evaluate the species' potential distribution in the future.Our analysis revealed that significant hotspots rich in host species occurrence for this invasive insect remain uninvaded so far, even within its suitable habitat. Furthermore, the native ranges of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto L.) species offer entirely suitable environments for the oak lace bug. In contrast, the pedunculate oak and sessile oak distribution ranges currently show only 40 % and 50 % suitability for colonization, respectively. However, our predictive models indicate a significant transformation in the habitat suitability of the oak lace bug, with suitability for these two oak species increasing by up to 90 %. This shift underlines an evolving landscape where the oak lace bug may exploit more of its available habitats than initially expected. It emphasises the pressing need for proactive measures to manage and stop its expanding presence, which may lead to a harmful impact on the oak population across the European landscape.

Silicon supplementation can reduce infestation by azalea lace bug-(Hemiptera: Tingidae).

The azalea lace bug (ALB), Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. The application of silicon (Si) to plants has been shown to accumulate in other plants and enhance defense to other plant pests. We evaluated whether Si applications decreased ALB infestation on rhododendron leaves and increased Si accumulation in leaves. Potted plants were treated with 4 or 8 weekly applications of calcium silicate and calcium carbonate (calcium control, Ca) via foliar or soil application. In 3 out of 4 choice studies, plants treated with calcium silicate or calcium carbonate had less frass deposition and oviposition by ALB compared to controls, but treated plants did not consistently have fewer ALB adults. Leaf damage was quantified in one study and leaves with more frass as an indicator of feeding had more visible damage. In no-choice studies, there were no differences between treatments in one study, but oviposition was greater on foliar/soil Si-treated plants than controls in another study. Since rhododendron aphids (Illinoia lambersi) appeared in the greenhouse during or after studies, we compared their colonization on previously treated rhododendrons. Infestation of new leaf rosettes or random leaves by I. lambersi was lower on plants sprayed with foliar silicon or calcium applied via soil in 2 studies. Treated rhododendrons did not accumulate extra Si or Ca in leaves compared to controls. In general, silicon or calcium application protected rhododendrons from ALB oviposition and aphid colonization in free-choice conditions, and may be part of an integrated pest management program.

Avocado cultivar and tree-to-tree leaf compositional differences affect infestation severity of Pseudocysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

Avocado lace bug, Pseudocysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a sap-feeding insect that feeds on the underside of avocado leaves. First observed in 2019, P. perseae has spread throughout the Hawaiian islands, causing premature leaf drop and decrease in avocado yield. Due to Hawai'i's approximately 200 cultivars comprised of all 3 avocado races with extensive racial hybrids, we were able to investigate whether certain cultivars were more prone to experiencing higher P. perseae abundances and infestations compared to others. We conducted longitudinal abundance surveys on Hawai'i Island across several common avocado varieties monitoring changes in P. perseae abundance. These surveys were supplemented with longitudinal infestation severity surveys across 4 avocado lineages (Mexican, Guatemalan, West Indian, and Guatemalan × West Indian hybrid). Additionally, we collected leaves of 'Sharwil', 'Hass', 'Kahalu'u', and 'Nishikawa' cultivars looking at associations between P. perseae abundance and cultivar, herbivory-related biomechanical traits, and soluble sugar content. We found that some cultivars, such as 'Malama', typically experience lower P. perseae abundances compared to cultivars such as 'Kahalu'u', 'Beshore', and 'Sharwil'. Guatemalan × West Indian hybrid trees were also shown to have a higher probability of experiencing more severe P. perseae infestations compared to other lineages. Lastly, soluble sugar content, specifically fructose content, had a positive effect on juvenile P. perseae abundance. These findings suggest that cultivar differences in P. perseae infestations may exist, but tree-to-tree leaf compositional differences, such as soluble sugar content, may be a large driver of variation in P. perseae abundance.

Phenology and seasonal dynamics of Corythucha arcuata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on four autochthonous oak species in Serbia

Summary The oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832), is a widespread invasive species infesting various oaks in Europe and Asia. In this observational study, we explored phenology and investigated seasonal population dynamics of C. arcuata on four oak species native to Europe and widespread in Serbia. It was found that the species has three generations in Serbia. There was a population peak in July and high abundance was maintained in August and September. Leaf damage, the total number of eggs laid and insects collected varied greatly between the different oak species and the feeding preference of C. arcuata for certain oak species we studied was not clear. The sex ratio of the oak lace bug was predominantly female-biased. Five successive phases could be distinguished in the population dynamics of C. arcuata, following the annual sequence of species development. It was suggested that the different exposure of a tree to the sun influences the aggregation patterns of insects in the canopy.

First records of Microstroma album (Desmazières) Saccardo, 1878 (Basidiomycota: Microstromataceae) and Phylloxera glabra (von Heyden, 1837) (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) in oak stands in Bulgaria

The current study reports the first records of an aphid-like pest and leaf pathogen on oak species in Bulgaria. In 2020-2023, leaf samples presenting characteristic yellow spots and lesions were collected from mature trees of Quercus petraea, Q. cerris, Q. frainetto and Q. robur in different localities of the country. Damage caused by oak obligate leaf pathogen Microstroma album, the leaf phylloxera, Phylloxera glabra, and the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata were identified on the lower surface of oak leaves. M. album was identified on all studied Quercus species. Angular white patches, the fruiting stage of the fungus, appeared on the lower surfaces of the leaves. P. glabra caused yellowish mosaic discoloration on the leaf surface of Quercus cerris, Q. frainetto and Q. pertaea. Sucking damage displayed a stippled pattern of yellow, brown, or whitish dots. In places where M. album develops, the invasive oak lace bug was often found as the only sucking species on oak leaves, which is most likely also a vector of the disease. Severe damage caused by established both obligate pathogen (M. album) and sucking insect pests (P. glabra, C. arcuata) could result in a weakening of the oak trees. On sufficiently weakened trees, secondary fungal pathogens or boring insects, commonly infested oak trees, can cause their death.

Antibacterial Activity of Defensive Secretions from the Lace Bug Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

Nymphs of Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) have numerous glandular setae on their dorsal abdomens. Chemical analysis of the exudates from these setae revealed the presence of 11 compounds, including aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, and aromatic polyketides. Among them, 3-oxododecanal, 5-hydroxy-2-heptylchromanone, and 5-hydroxy-2-undecanylchromanone were identified for the first time in the family Tingidae. Previous research has suggested that secretions from nymphs of the genus Stephanitis, belonging to the family Tingidae, function as defensive substances against predators. The exudates of S. svensoni showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial tests conducted using preparations of the 10 identified compounds showed antibacterial activity in 3-oxododecanal, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone, and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. In addition, antibacterial tests against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli showed activity in 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. Therefore, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one exhibited a wide antibacterial spectrum. Particularly, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one, which showed antibacterial activity even at low concentrations, holds promise as lead drug compound.

The impact of plant genetic variation and water stress on plant–herbivore interactions

Abstract Plant genotype, water stress and their interaction are among the factors contributing to the susceptibility of plants to herbivory. The plant's nitrogen concentration, a critical and often limiting nutrient, differs with plant genotype and water stress. Still, few studies have investigated the impact of the interaction between genotype and water stress on herbivory and plant nitrogen. We established a common garden in Duluth, MN, of tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima, collected from a local Minnesota site to analyse the effects of goldenrod genotype and water stress on leaf nitrogen and the preference and performance of the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythucha marmorata. Lace bugs had oviposition, nymph and adult preferences among host plant genotypes, water treatments and among genotype and water treatment combinations. Nymph and adult survival and adult mass varied significantly due to plant genotype, water treatment, the interaction between plant and water treatment and the interaction of treatment with lace bug density. Oviposition preference and offspring performance were significantly positively related. Leaf nitrogen increased with the increasing severity of the water limitation in the absence of lace bugs. However, in the presence of lace bugs, there was no difference in nitrogen among water treatments. We hypothesize that lace bugs reduce leaf nitrogen concentration to a lower threshold and then move between plants until nitrogen concentration equalises among all plants.

Bioecology of the pear lace bug, Stephanitis pyri (F.)(Hemiptera: Tingidae) on walnut trees in Kermanshah Province, Iran

Bioecology of the pear lace bug, Stephanitis pyri (F.)(Hemiptera: Tingidae) on walnut trees in Kermanshah Province, Iran

Occurrence of Cassava Lace Bug <i>Vatiga illudens</i> (Drake, 1922) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Bali, Indonesia

Cassava Lace Bugs (CLB) are native pest of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae) to the Neotropical Region, mainly in Brazil. On the other hand, East Java was the first region in Indonesia to record the presence of CLB in 2021, however, it has not been reported in other regions in Indonesia. Therefore, the very importance to recognise the occurrence of CLB in other regions in Indonesia. Based on this, the research has been carried out starting with a field survey, observing behaviour of insect in the field and identify morphologically in the laboratory. The survey results show that the infestation of CLB has been found in lowland, medium, and highland areas in Bali. Symptoms of infestation on the upper leaf surface are small yellow spots with brownish variations. Based on the identification key, CLB from Bali Indonesia, shows a characteristic of a head with a pair of frontal spines. Based on this evidence, the CLB insect can be identified as Vatiga illudens (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae). It is the first report of novel distribution areas for V. illudens in Bali, Indonesia. The results of this research are important because V. illudens is one of the main pests of cassava.

Microbial changes and associated metabolic responses modify host plant adaptation in Stephanitis nashi.

Symbiotic microorganisms are essential for the physiological processes of herbivorous pests, including the pear lace bug Stephanitis nashi, which is known for causing extensive damage to garden plants and fruit trees due to its exceptional adaptability to diverse host plants. However, the specific functional effects of the microbiome on the adaptation of S.nashi to its host plants remains unclear. Here, we identified significant microbial changes in S.nashi on 2 different host plants, crabapple and cherry blossom, characterized by the differences in fungal diversity as well as bacterial and fungal community structures, with abundant correlations between bacteria or fungi. Consistent with the microbiome changes, S.nashi that fed on cherry blossom demonstrated decreased metabolites and downregulated key metabolic pathways, such as the arginine and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, which were crucial for host plant adaptation. Furthermore, correlation analysis unveiled numerous correlations between differential microorganisms and differential metabolites, which were influenced by the interactions between bacteria or fungi. These differential bacteria, fungi, and associated metabolites may modify the key metabolic pathways in S.nashi, aiding its adaptation to different host plants. These results provide valuable insights into the alteration in microbiome and function of S.nashi adapted to different host plants, contributing to a better understanding of pest invasion and dispersal from a microbial perspective.

Two new species of the genus Agramma (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from small islands of Japan, with an illustrated key to the Japanese species of the genus

The present study describes two new species of the monocotyledon-feeding lace bugs of the genus Agramma Stephens, 1829 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae, Tinginae, Tingini) from small islands of Japan. The first is A. (A.) izuensesp. nov., which was recorded as A. (A.) japonicum (Drake, 1948) from Hachijo Island, the Izu Islands, in a previous study, and is considered an independent species here based on morphological characteristics and molecular data. The second is A. (A.) keramensesp. nov., which has a remarkable spineless head and was discovered from Aka and Geruma islands, Kerama Group, the Ryukyu Islands. Consequently, the following four species of Agramma were recognized in Japan: A. (A.) abruptifrons Golub, 1990, A. (A.) izuensesp. nov., A. (A.) japonicum, and A. (A.) keramensesp. nov. Only dozens of submacropterous morphs were confirmed in these two species in the present study, suggesting that both new species are flightless. In addition, an illustrated key for the identification of the four species from Japan and the host plant relationships of the two new species are provided.

Fairyfly egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) of the invasive lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Japan

The fairyfly Anagrus (Anagrus) virginiae Triapitsyn and Puttler (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is identified as a principal egg parasitoid of the chrysanthemum lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Japan on Solidago altissima L., Solidago sp., and Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae), and on sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck (Convolvulaceae). Both C. marmorata and Solidago spp. as well as Bidens pilosa are invasive in Japan, so it is very likely that A. virginiae was unintentionally introduced and established in the country either with or after the introduction of its insect host. Both sexes of A. virginiae are redescribed and illustrated with digital images based on Japanese specimens to facilitate their recognition, and an updated key to females of Anagrus Haliday species in Japan is given to include A. virginiae and the recently recorded leafhopper egg parasitoid A. (Anagrus) turpanicus Triapitsyn and Hu. In Japan, C. marmorata is a pest of eggplant, Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae), pepino or sweet cucumber, Solanum muricatum Aiton, sweet potato, and other crops, so potential for classical biological control against this lace bug is discussed. One male specimen of another fairyfly, Erythmelus (Parallelaptera) sp., was also reared from an egg of C. marmorata, the first such record from this lace bug host.

Invasive behaviour of oak lace bug in forest ecosystems: a comparative analysis between thermophilous and mesophilous oak forests

Forest ecosystems provide invaluable ecological, economic, and social benefits, making them essential for global well-being. However, these ecosystems face various threats, including biological invasions by alien species. Among these, the oak lace bug (OLB), an invasive North American insect, has rapidly spread in Europe, impacting oak forests and raising concerns about its adaptation to new environments. OLB feeds on the undersides of oak leaves, extracting sap and causing chlorotic discoloration. Severe infestations lead to premature defoliation, increased susceptibility to diseases or pests and can also result in a substantial reduction in photosynthesis activity. This study aims to analyse OLB’s invasive behaviour in Romanian forest ecosystems, with a specific focus on the differences between thermophilous and mesophilous oak forests. The analysis covers 6 years of data and reveals critical insights. In the initial 4 years, OLB predominantly inhabited the extracarpathian regions of Romania, with concentrated presence in the southern, western, and northwestern areas. Forest ecosystems mainly affected between 2017 and 2020 were characterized by thermophilous oak forests in southern and western regions. However, in the last 2 years (2021–2022), OLB presence increased, particularly in lowland ecosystems, albeit with reduced damage intensity. The analysis also unveiled an adaptation and expansion of OLB in mesophilous forest ecosystems. Climatic factors, specifically temperature and precipitation, significantly influenced OLB’s behaviour, points with severe attacks exhibiting specific climatic conditions. In summary, this study provides crucial insights into OLB’s behaviour, emphasizing the role of climatic and environmental factors in its invasive tendencies.