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Simple Summary: The yellow-necked dry-wood termite, Kalotermes flavicollis, is a significant pest in wooden structures in Europe, particularly churches and museums. An increase in infestations has been observed in Palermo, Italy, affecting both structural elements and artefacts. A study aimed at gaining further knowledge of this insect permitted the isolation and identification of three fungal species associated with dead termites: Aspergillus nomius, A. subramanianii, and A. tamarii. This is the first report of fungi linked to K. flavicollis and the first recorded association of A. subramanianii with Isoptera (order of social insects that live in colonies, including termites). Further research will be conducted to define the possible ecological relationships between these organisms. The yellow-necked dry-wood termite Kalotermes flavicollis (Fabricius, 1793) (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae) is an important pest that infests wood in Europe. An increase in attacks by K. flavicollis has been seen in buildings and in churches in Palermo (Italy), with attacks on both structural elements and artefacts. Future climate changes are expected to lead to increasing temperatures, which will probably affect the pest status of this species, which is difficult to control. In this context, it is important to identify potential natural antagonists of K. flavicollis. During a survey of the K. flavicollis population, several dead individuals with evident fungal efflorescence were found. Therefore, a study aimed at the isolation and identification of these microorganisms was conducted. Fungal colonies isolated from mycelial structures grown on insects were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA profiling. Three different species were identified: Aspergillus nomius, A. subramanianii, and A. tamarii. This is the first time that fungi have been recorded in association with the yellow-necked dry-wood termite and, in addition, this study reports the first association of A. subramanianii with Isoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Spread of the exotic parasitoid Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) and its parasitism on the Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) were studied in Sicily after C. chamaeleon introduction in May 2006. Parasitoid spread was evaluated by sampling sites at increasing distances from the five release sites. C. chamaeleon quickly established and spread; within 5months, it caused 62% parasitism at release sites and 38% parasitism at sites 2km from release sites. One year after its introduction (spring 2007), C. chamaeleon was detected more than 50km distant from release sites. By winter 2007–08, the parasitoid was recovered throughout Sicily and in many surrounding islets, with parasitism rates always >65% and usually at 100%. The dispersal rate was 0.15km/month in the 2months after release. It increased to 0.6km/month in the next 3months, reaching 7.5km/month 5–7months after release and 20km/month in the following 11months, when the entire island was colonized. The pattern of spread followed the spread latency model of biological invasions; the spread latency period was very short because of the parasitoid’s biological characteristics and a favourable environment. Parasitism trends differed between suburban and afforested sites, showing a longer spread latency period in the afforested sites due to the greater extent of potentially colonisable area. The parasitoid’s use of continuous and long-distance dispersal mechanisms enabled it to rapidly colonize even very distant regions and enhances its effectiveness as a biological control agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]