A new finding of Reticulitermes flavipes in northern Italy

Abstract

The presence of an introduced termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was recently reported for the first time in Italy,
\nwhere it was found in Olgiate Olona (Lombardy). In this study, we report the finding of an additional R. flavipes infestation in
\nVailate (Lombardy), about 70 km from Olgiate Olona, indicating that this pest may be more widely distributed than previously
\nknown. Another sample examined in this study, collected in Rozzano (Lombardy), was found to belong to Reticulitermes lucifugus
\n(Rossi), the only Reticulitermes species known for Italy up to 2001. Because south of Lombardy the recently described species
\nReticulitermes urbis Bagneres, Uva et Clement is also present, Reticulitermes distribution in Lombardy should be re-analyzed on
\nthe basis of genetic analysis.