Aleurocanthus Spiniferus (Quaintance) (Orange Spiny Whitefly, Osw) (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) Invaded South of Italy.

Introduction: Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) is one further alien invasive pest that have been invading the south of Italy. From the EPPofirst report of the presence of A. spiniferus, in April 2008, Puglia was invaded northward by this polyphagous whitefly and new territories were infested more or less severely. Aims: This poster refers about recently occupied areas detailing local and urban outbreaks and population density per host plant species. Materials and Methods: We use direct observation on the field and digital camera-equipped stereoscope and Cryo-SEM on the laboratory for data confirmation and imaging. Results: We detail the invaded areas, confirming the spreading of this pest in almost all the Puglia region. Conclusions: The overall ecological preferences and behaviour of the pest are depicted in view of its control in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]