This summer (2010), rather in July, 9 a new invasive species (Metcalfa pruinosa Say) was detected in western part of country. The first point of appearance was Timisoara from Timis County. Known as citrus flatid plant hopper the species was found on many plants belonging to several botanical families. Until now, insect has been observed only in built-up areas, especially in sheltered green areas of buildings or in parks. Of our observations we found this new flatide in following plant species: Acer platanoides L., Juglans regia L., Juniperus sp., Thuja occidentalis L., Buxus sempervirensL., Albizia julibrissin Durazz, Potentila (Dasiphora) fruticosa L., Cycas revoluta Thunb., Vitis vinifera L., Atriplex hortensis L., Sambucus nigra L., Melissa officinalis L., Ligustrum vulgare L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis l., Ligustrum vulgar L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Buxus sempervirens L., Rosa sp. L., Juniperus sp. L.,Thuja occidentalis L. and Hybiscus rosa – sinensis. Being native to North America, Metcalfa pruinosa Say can be said to have been accidentally introduced in Europe. Beginning to 1979, the species had a rapid evolution of propagation, so that today it is detected in 16 European Countries. After a short period of observation (from July until October) we considered that this first mass occurrence is due primarily to adults that spread through the flight from neighboring countries (Serbia and Hungary), Timis County is situated to border between Romania and those countries. The most of individuals observed were adults and larvae. Our studies reveals two types of damage, first is very important direct activity of larvae characterized by sting and sucking of plant and in the other hand the indirect way of damage through filamentous secretion of larvae that causes discomfort in plant development. The presence of these filamentous and of course of sweet secretions (honey dew) characteristic for insects from Homoptera causes negatively effects by unsightly aspects. Possible extension to other areas requires the studies of this species by the many aspects

Metcalfa pruinosa; insect; invasive species; first occurrence; western part of country

Presentation: oral