The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, a new exotic pest of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Italy

Abstract

Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, the red gum lerp psyllid (Hemiptera Psyllidae) is reported for the first time from Italy, from several urban and rural sites of the Campania region, infesting Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.. The host plant is very common in Italy as ornamental and forestry plants. This note adds a new record to the eucalypt psyllid list in Italy. Preliminary observations on general biological aspects and distribution have been carried out. Generalist predators, such as ants, spiders and pirate bugs, were observed on infested trees attacked by G. brimblecombei, but no psyllid parasitoids were detected.