Zelus renardii Roaming in Southern Italy

Abstract

This study collects data from the literature and updates our <i>Zelus renardii</i> Kolenati, 1856 (Leafhopper Assassin Bug, LAB) prey knowledge. The literature consists of ca. 170 entries encompassing the years 1856 to 2021. This reduviid originated in the Nearctic region, but has entered and acclimatised in many Mediterranean countries. Our quantitative predation experiments-in the laboratory on caged plants plus field or environmental observations-confirm that LAB prefers a selected array of prey. Laboratory predation tests on living targets (Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera) agree with the literature. <i>Zelus renardii</i> prefers comparatively large, highly mobile, and readily available prey. LAB preferences on available hemipterans targets suggest that <i>Zelus renardii</i> is a good inundative biocontrol agent for <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i><i>pauca</i> ST53 infections. LAB also prey on other important olive pests, such as <i>Bactrocera oleae</i>. Therefore, <i>Zelus renardii</i> is a major integrated pest management (IPM) component to limit <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> pandemics and other pest invasions.