REDIA (2004) 87, 85-89
F. Pennacchio, M. Faggi, E. Gatti, F. Caronni, M. Colombo and P.F. Roversi (2004)
First record of Phloeotribus liminaris (Harris) from Europe (Coleoptera Scolytidae)
REDIA 87, 85-89
Abstract: During surveys conducted in the woods of the Ticino Park in Lombardy, northern Italy, we recorded a North American Phloeotribine scolytid, new to the fauna of Europe, Phloeotribus liminaris (Harris), the 'Peach Bark Beetle'. High densities of wintering refuges and adults were observed on Prunus serotina Ehrh., its typical host tree in the natural distribution area. P. serotina was introduced into Italy from North America and is now a very diffuse infestant in various lowland woods of northern Italy. This is the first record of the Peach Bark Beetle outside of its natural distribution area where it caused serious damage to P. serotina, an important source of valuable wood, and other forest and fruit Prunus, especially P. persica. The habitat where the bark beetle was found consists of riparian lowland woods dominated by Quercus robur L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Populus nigra L., Salix alba L. and Pinus sylvestris L., associated with the introduced species Robinia pseudoacacia L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) and Prunus serotina. To facilitate the identification of the species and the recognition of new infestations, the Authors provide a brief description with original drawings of both P. liminaris and the nearly related P. scarabaeoides (Bernard) and with an identification key with brief bioecological notes. Potential risk of the diffusion of P. liminaris in Italy is also discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Pio Federico Roversi
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
new introduction of pest
surveys/sampling/distribution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phloeotribus liminaris | Prunus (genus - other than fruit trees) | Italy |
