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This note reports the first finding of the reduviid bug Nagusta goedelii (Kolenati, 1857) in Sardinia and is first ascertained case of the human-mediated introduction of this species. In fact, Nagusta goedelii is showing an expansion of its geographical range from the east to the west, however the causes are still unknown and further studies are needed. A brief review of the European distribution of this species is given. An update of its regional occurrence in Italy, based on verified records available online, is also provided. The species was observed in co-occurrence with the invasive bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855), which would appear to be one of its possible predators.

We present a discrete-generation model to study the effect of a seasonally asynchronous alien host on the population dynamics of a native host/parasitoid system. We assume that i) the native host and parasitoid are seasonally synchronous; ii) there is no direct competition for resources between the two host species (one native, one alien); and iii) the introduced alien host population (the alternative host) is in an invasive stage and, consequently, it is not subject to any density-dependent regulation. In our model, variations in the annual number of generations (voltinism) of the alien host greatly alter the dynamics of the native host/parasitoid interaction. When the alien host is synchronous with the native host, the parasitoid is favoured, and the native host population decreases until reaching a new, lower equilibrium or becoming extinct. By contrast, when alien and native hosts are asynchronous with each other, there are population oscillations of the native community members compatible with the pulsating availability of the alien host and, under specific conditions, the parasitoid may rapidly become extinct.

Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera Cynipidae) was first recorded in Sardinia (Italy) in 2007. Two years later a biological control program started with the introduction of its non-native parasitoid, Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera Torymidae). Over a nine-year period (2009–2017), data on the relative abundance of D. kuriphilus, its native parasitoids and T. sinensis were collected. Native parasitoids reacted quickly to the large availability of hosts. However, a dramatic change in the abundance of each native species was recorded from year to year. In the first few years, the native parasitoid community and pest abundance did not fluctuate much. The turning point was 2014, when, at the same time, the native parasitoid populations increased and the T. sinensis populations also began to increase. In the following year, both the D. kuriphilus and native parasitoid populations decreased considerably, whereas the T. sinensis populations reached over 50% parasitism. The univoltine D. kuriphilus acted as an asynchronous resource for native bivoltine parasitoids. An asynchronous host-parasitoid interaction produces wide fluctuations in their populations. In this case, D. kuriphilus strongly altered the local community, which was subjected to a chaotic change in composition and species abundance. When T. sinensis became established, it monopolized the pest, making this resource unavailable to native parasitoids that returned to attack almost exclusively the native oak cynipids. In fact, the successful control of D. kuriphilus by the introduction of T. sinensis rebalanced the situation that had been altered by the arrival of the invasive pest.

Almost a half century ago, Tjeder (1972) stated that the genus Ascalaphus had been interpreted in a sense other than that defined by its type species (see Pantaleoni and Loru 2018). So, the generic name Ascalaphus Fabricius, 1775, became the senior synonym of Helicomitus McLachlan, 1871, and the genus Libelloides, Schäffer, 1763, was reserved for the Palearctic diurnal coloured owlflies, which until then were considered to belong to the genus Ascalaphus. Even though Tjeder’s proposition produced a dramatic change in a long-term “prevailing usage”, it was immediately and universally accepted as necessary. However, surprisingly, this change was never followed by the consequent necessary nomenclatural changes at the family-group name level.

Around 1970 Tjeder suggested two changes to the nomenclature of the Ascalaphidae regarding the names Libelloides and libelluloides . To avoid future confusion, we augment Tjeder’s work by analyzing the nomenclatural status of all taxa related to these names—specifically Libelloides Schaffer, 1763 and Libelloides coccajus ([Denis et Schiffermuller], 1775), Ascalaphidae, and Palpares libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), Myrmeleontidae. After a short historical preamble, we treat the three taxa in chronological order of description. Additional information is reported in four Addenda , followed by a list of synonymies. Our conclusions are as follows: 1. Schaffer’s Das Zwiefalter– oder Afterjungferchen (1763) is consistent with the Principle of Binomial Nomenclature, thus the names Libelloides and Libellula spuria , therein created, are available [ICZN Code Article 11.4.1.]. 2. Libellula spuria Schaffer, 1763, is a senior synonym of Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermuller], 1775; however, the older name Libellula spuria Schaffer, 1763, is a nomen oblitum with respect to the younger name Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermuller], 1775, which therefore must be considered a nomen protectum [ICNZ Code Article 23.9.2: both Articles 23.9.2.1 and 23.9.2.2 apply]. 3. The name Hemerobius libelloides Linnaeus, 1764, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Myrmeleon libelluloides Linnaeus, 1767, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i ) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii ) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 4. Myrmeleon libelluloides Fuesslin, 1775, being a mere misidentification of the name Myrmeleon libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), is unavailable name [ICZN Code Article 49]. 5. Schaffer (1763) is not the author of the name Ascalaphus libelluloides : the authorship must be attributed to van der Weele with the date of description 5 th January 1909. 6. Libellula turcica Petiver & Empson, 1767, in Abraham (2012), is an unavailable name. 7. The original spelling Myrmeleon kolywanense Laxmann, 1770, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Ascalaphus kolyvanensis Rambur, 1842, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i ) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii ) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 8. Fuesslin’s Verzeichniss der ihm bekannten schweizerischen Insekten (1775) was published between 24 th February (date in the second part of the Preface [Vorrede]) and 12 th May 1775 (Wyttenbach, 1775), so the date of publication is 12 th May 1775 [ICZN Code Article 21.3].

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) has gained interest as a novel crop for bioenergy, multipurpose uses, and industrial bio‐based productions, also based on the achene yield. However, achenes can be affected by various insects, which are considered as minor pests in traditional Cynara crops. Nonetheless, very little information is available on these pests. The aim of this research was to identify the frequency of different insect species with particular regard to weevils, and to quantify the achene yields and losses caused by these spermophagous insects on cardoon. Field measurements were performed across three consecutive years in Sardinia (Italy). Mature cardoon heads of different insertion orders (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary heads, respectively) were manually harvested. For each head, the achenes were counted and weighed, and bare receptacles were scored in terms of damaged areas by weevil larvae (i.e., the percentage of total area). The results highlighted a higher frequency of Larinus scolymi (90%) compared to Larinus cynarae. The total number of achenes per head and the 1000‐achene weight were markedly affected by head order. Actual achene yield ranged from 86.8 to 107.9 g per plant. The estimates of achene yield losses per plant due to Larinus weevils ranged from 36.3 in 2014 to 113.0 g per plant in 2015, corresponding to about 0.4 to 1.1 t per hectare, respectively. Our results showed that achene losses were caused mainly by L. scolymi, indicating that cardoon crop profitability could be jeopardised in the absence of insect controls. Based on the experimental data, appropriate strategies aimed at controlling weevil infestations are needed to preserve cardoon achene yields.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), spotted-wing drosophila, has recently become a common and serious pest of temperate fruit crops (small fruits, cherries and kaki) in many countries [1]. Crop damage is caused when adult females, using a serrated ovipositor, lay eggs in ripe and partially ripe fruit before harvest. Developing larvae cause soft and unmarketable fruit, moreover oviposition wounds provide access to pathogens that may enhance fruit deterioration leading to increased risk of secondary rot infections with an economic loss up to 80%. Push-pull strategies (stimulus deterrent diversionary strategies) attempt to reduce crop injury by modifying pest distribution using adversative stimuli to push the pest organism away from the crop while also using attractive stimuli to pull the pest organism out of the crop [2]. A novel and more sustainable method for repelling D. suzukii was evaluated by spraying edible repellents (alone and in mixture) on fruit surface during ripening period in combination with conventional natural attractive traps.

We present a new technique developed to uniquely mark individual adult green lacewings (Neuroptera Chrysopidae) with a durable, quickdrying ink applied by a very fine tipped pen. This marking method is particularly suitable for use in laboratory experiments. It is reliable, cheap, and easy to apply and to decode.

In order to anaesthetize insects in a laboratory, chilling and application of diethyl ether and carbon dioxide are commonly used. However none of the above methods is problem free. In particular, the use of diethyl ether, despite its simplicity, is now limited due to its poor safety. In our research, we evaluated ethyl acetate as an alternative anaesthetic substance. The effects of ethyl acetate anaesthesia were compared with those produced by carbon dioxide on adult green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). The biological parameters measured were longevity and fecundity. No significant differences appeared between the two treatments and the control. Although further research is necessary, the use of ethyl acetate proves to be very promising and presents a valid alternative to the use of diethyl ether and, in many cases, also to carbon dioxide and chilling.

In this paper we describe an innovative, low-cost, small-scale green lacewing (Neuroptera Chrysopidae) rearing method developed in our laboratories over a decade. Our method proves to be adaptable from a small laboratory to a local farmer's insectary and its innovative aspects could be adopted in (and/or adapted to) mass rearing systems.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis is the most important ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide. In addition to its annoyance to pets and humans, cat flea is responsible for flea bite allergy dermatitis and can serve as disease agent vecto.

The cimicids, or bed bugs, are obligate blood feeding that parasite primarily humans, birds and bats. Their bites can cause severe skin reactions. Bed bugs infest any human environment as confirmed by the resurgence of their infestations in industrialized nations over the past decade.

Geologically Sardinia is a raft which, for just under thirty million years, has been crossing the western Mediterranean, swaying like a pendulum from the Iberian to the Italian Peninsula. An island so large and distant from the other lands, except for its "sister" Corsica, has inevitably developed an autochthonous flora and fauna over such a long period of time. Organisms from other Mediterranean regions have added to this original contingent. These new arrivals were not randomly distributed over time but grouped into at least three great waves. The oldest two correspond with the Messinian salinity crisis about 7 million years ago and with the ice age, when, in both periods, Sardinia was linked to or near other lands due to a fall in sea level. The third, still in progress, is linked to human activity. Man has travelled since ancient times and for many centuries introduced allochthonous species to Sardinia which radically modified the native flora and fauna, but always at a very slow and almost unnoticeable rate. The use of sailing or rowing boats, with their low speeds, hindered the transport of living organisms from one place to another. The use of the steam boat, introduced around 1840 but widely diffuse around 1870-1880, opened the doors to more frequent arrivals and also to organisms from the American Continent. This technical innovation had an influence over the whole world economy, with its well-known grain crisis, and coincided in Sardinia with the arrival of Roman dairymen, producers of pecorino cheese and the beginning of the expansion of sheep farming which would continue uninterrupted until the present day. In this period of sudden social and environmental change, an insect was introduced which would turn out to be probably the most economically devastating agricultural pest in Europe: the Grape Phylloxera. The vineyard and wine business collapsed first in France then in Italy. The Phylloxera arrived in Sardinia in 1883 and wine production crashed a very short time later and only resumed after the distribution of American vine rootstock at the beginning of the 20th Century. From then, vine cultivation in Europe was modified with the essential use of this rootstock. Since then methods of transport have increased enormously in number and speed. The number of allochthonous and invasive species has increased proportionally: some of them along with exotic plants which are cultivated on the island, others following man in his activities. Often these new pests attack and destroy ornamental plants which have become part of the Sardinian landscape, causing it to change; just as often their presence requires methods of pest management which are different from the traditional methods on specific crops; finally in at least one case (the Asian tiger mosquito) they pose a threat to our health.

Formicids have been observed to protect honeydew-producing Homoptera from their natural enemies by disturbing or killing parasitoids and predators, thereby reducing natural enemy effectiveness. In field studies carried out over two growing seasons (1998-1999) in an organic citrus orchard in Sardinia, Italy, sticky trunk barriers were used to exclude ants from orange tree canopies in order to enhance the biological control of the mealybug Planococcus citri Risso. The influence of antexclusion on the abundance of four groups of generalist predators (spiders, true bugs, lacewings and ladybirds) was examined. Predators and ants were collected every ten days, on randomly selected fruits, for about five months per year. Four species of ants were found and Lasius niger (L.) was the most common species (> 80%). The total number of generalist predators was significantly higher in the ant-excluded plot relative to the undisturbed one (P < 0.000). The same result, with the only exclusion of Neuroptera (P = 0.1022), was obtained considering each predator group singularly.

Since information on generalist predators in the hazelnut agroecosystem are extremely scarce, specific investigations were carried out in hazelnut orchards of Piedmont and Sardinia (NW Italy) in the frame of the project CO.RI.BIO. Two sampling methods were used in 2005: i) beating of branches to catch foliage arthropods, ii) corrugated cardboard traps to sample arthropods which seek refuge in the bark roughness during daytime. Results of the investigations on four groups of generalist predators (spiders, bugs, lacewings, and ants) are here given. Overall twenty-five and twenty families of spiders were found in Piedmontese and Sardinian hazelnut orchards, respectively. In particular, nineteen of them (Anyphaenidae, Araneidae, Clubionidae, Corinnidae, Dictynidae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, Liocranidae, Mimetidae, Miturgidae, Oxyopidae, Philodromidae, Pisauridae, Salticidae, Segestriidae, Tetragnathidae, Theridiidae, Thomisidae, and Uloboridae) were sampled in both regions. Bugs belonging to the families Miridae, Nabidae, Anthocoridae, and Pentatomidae were collected, but the family Miridae was the most abundant and represented by nine species in Piedmont and in Sardinia. Among these species Compsidolon salicellum (Herrich-Schäffer), Deraeocoris lutescens (Schilling), Heterotoma meriopterum (Scopoli), Malacocoris chlorizans (Panzer), Phylus coryli (Linnaeus), and Psallus ambiguus Fallén were sampled, in different quantities, in both regions. Lacewings were more abundant in Piedmont than in Sardinia, both as number of species and number of specimens. Five and three species of green lacewings were found in Piedmontese and Sardinian hazelnut orchards, respectively. Some of them, Chrysoperla pallida Henry, Brooks, Duelli & Johnson, Dichochrysa flavifrons (Brauer), and Dichochrysa prasina (Burmeister), were sampled in both regions. A total of twenty-five ant species were collected in the hazelnut orchards of the two regions. In Sardinia the most abundant species were Crematogaster scutellaris (Olivier) and Lasius niger (Linnaeus), the latter was common also in Piedmont together with Lasius paralienus Seifert. Actually, besides spiders, bugs, lacewings, and ants, many other groups of predators are present in hazelnut orchards, where they play an important role in preserving the biocenotic balance. Therefore the improvement of the knowledge on these organisms, on their behaviour and their ecologic role has to be a crucial aim of research.