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Caloptilia roscipennella (Hübner, 1796) is a leaf‐mining moth native to Central and Southern Europe. In this publication, we provide the first report of the occurrence of Caloptilia roscipennella in India. The identification was performed using an integrative approach, combining molecular (barcoding, COI) and morphological analysis (forewing pattern). In 2020, the larvae were initially found scraping in the silvery‐white mine and later feeding in folded or rolled leaves of the common walnut Juglans regia L. In the subsequent years, the species was found only in the same places. Two generations were recorded per year (May–June and August–September) and leaf miners overwintered as adults and reappeared in the early spring. Damage ranging from 15% to 20% was observed on the leaves of J. regia. Further efforts related to C. roscipennella should concentrate on evaluating its geographic distribution and its impact on walnut trees. Several species of parasitoids were reared from infested mines, with specimens belonging to the genus Chrysocharis Förster, 1856 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Itoplectis maculator (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). These species provided excellent control of leaf miner larvae, and out of 10 larvae, seven were found parasitized by the parasitoids and higher numbers of specimens were found with relative higher frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive spread of the Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), (Diptera, Tephritidae) (the oriental fruit fly), is intensifying globally. After sporadic interceptions in Europe, the first field findings occurred in Italy in 2018-2019. Despite a record-free period from 2020 to 2021, catches in Campania surged from June 2022 onwards. In response, a series of research activities began in Campania, aiming to delineate the infested zone, evaluate dispersion, assess population dynamics, identify the epicenter, and determine prevalent host fruits. Over 250 traps of various types, baited with diverse attractants, along with fruit samplings, led to the capture of the first B. dorsalis females and the identification of the first active infestation in Europe during the summer of 2022. Results reveal a rapid increase in captures from June 2022 to January 2023, with over 3,000 adults captured, reaching the peak in October. The expansion of the infested zone reached 48.24 km2, indicating a localized hotspot. Active infestations primarily occurred in specific locations, with Citrus spp. being the most frequently infested fruits. The sex ratio of captured specimens indicates a bias towards males, particularly due to the lure used. The study identifies a narrow 14.04 km2 area, concentrating 97.4% of catches, as the probable epicenter. Specific anthropized localities play a crucial role in sustaining the population. Bactrocera dorsalis specimens exhibited a potential movement range of about 7 km, but the movement of infested fruits can greatly expand this range. The high number of recorded catches suggests the existence of a substantial nucleus of individuals, possibly facilitating the acclimatization of the species in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the first detection in Europe of a parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on the Orange Spiny Whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Through extensive field surveys, this study investigates the occurrence of the aphelinid in several regions across central and southern Italy. Different sites were monitored to investigate the Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius parasitization rate on A. spiniferus, shedding light on its potential as a biological control agent against the invasive whitefly pest. The research results offer a hopeful prospect for progressing sustainable and eco-friendly methods in handling A. spiniferus infestations in citrus crops, highlighting the importance of natural enemies in integrated pest management programs. The research emphasizes the importance of the recently discovered parasitoid for European agriculture, paving the way for inventive approaches in pest control and cultivation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]