A new problem for western Romania: Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera:Flatidae)

Abstract

The cicada considered for this study is Metcalfa pruinosa (Say), called flatid plant hopper, a species that has recently caught the attention of experts in Romania. In year 2010, it was seen for the first time in the western part of country and it was identified by some routine observations. Is considered a non-native species knowing that originated in America. Objectives focused primarily exploration the territory in the western part, in order to report the first larval colonies and secondly identification of host plants. Observations were made during three years, 2011 to 2013 and included several points located near the western border. For monitoring of the immature stages (larvae, nymphs) direct observations were made in green spaces, parks, vineyards and orchards. Having in mind that larva is the most important stage, if we refer to damage plants, all our attention was directed to this. Somewhat, the results certify the polyphagism of this species, indicating numerous species of infested plants. Among, frequently infested with larval colonies, in green spaces, were Acer negundo, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre, Acer platanoides, Tilia cordata, Catalpa bignonioides, Juglans regia, Ligustrum vulgare, Hibiscus syriacus, etc. On the other hand, in the vineyards and orchards, plants affected were Malus domestica, Persica vulgaris, Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus domestica and Vitis vinifera. Currently, in the western part of Romania, over 50 host plants were identified, tree species (shrubs, trees, fruit -trees), culture plants (sunflower, soybean) and a lot of herbaceous species. As regards the spread, cicada is present in 7 counties from west of country and continue to expand on the direction of north, south and east.