First record from Calabria (southern Italy) of the “bronze bug” <em>Thaumastocoris peregrinus</em> Carpintero & Dellapé, 2006, alien <em>Eucalyptus </em>pest native to Australia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae)

Abstract

The occurrence in Calabria (southern Italy) of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé, 2006, alien pest on various species of Eucalyptus, native to Australia, is reported for the first time. The first specimens were collected in September 2019; later the authors found feeding damage on the leaves, eggs batches and the various stages of the insect in various localities in Reggio Calabria (Italy). Notes on its distribution and biology are reported.

Keywords

• Heteroptera
• Thaumastocoris peregrinus
• invasive species