The Spreading in Europe of the Non-Indigenous Species <i>Oenothera speciosa</i> Nutt. Might Be a Threat to the Autochthonous Moth <i>Macroglossum stellatarum</i> (Linnaeus, 1758)? A New Case Study from Italy

Abstract

Oenothera speciosa Nutt. is a non-indigenous plant that is widespread in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Although in its native range it is rarely pollinated by sphingid moths, in Europe and Asia, it was found to be associated with the hummingbird hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus, 1758). However, the plant–insect interaction was negative, and the moths were found with proboscides stuck to the flowers of this plant. This interaction is a relevant conservation issue that requires further studies to assess its ecological impact. This work represents the first record of the negative interaction between O. speciosa and M. stellatarum in Italy.

Keywords

• introduced plant
• alien species
• non-indigenous species
• <i>Oenothera speciosa</i>
• stuck proboscis
• <i>Macroglossum stellatarum</i>