Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) is a new invasive pest native to Asia, who’s first recorded in Europe, was in 2007 in the south-western Germany (KRŰGER, 2008). Then spread rapidly throughout the European Union, most likely due to active larvae colonization, but also due to human introduction once with the seedlings. The larvae stage is the dangerous one, the Cydalima perspectalis larvae feed on the leaves of Buxus sempervirens plants, causing serious damage by a qualitative decreasing of the landscaping (the green spaces between apartment buildings, gardens and parks in the cities). Current status of this invasive species is to expansion in the western part of Romania. The purpose of this paper is to present an update of the geographical distribution of Cydalima perspectalis species in western Romania and to mention new records from this part of the country. Currently the species Cydalima perspectalis is present all over Romania, being very abundant, especially in August and September, in nurseries, public and private gardens, and also in parks. Across Timiș County, they were collected a total of 2348 larvae specimens in all 10 localities studied. Most specimens were collected from Timisoara. Larvae of Cydalima perspectalis were observed for the first time on Buxus sempervirens plants in four localities across Timiș County: Gătaia, Recas, Făget and Ciacova.

Cydalima perspectalis, invasive species, Buxus sempervirens, landscaping, western Romania

biology

Presentation: oral