The Ommatissus binotatus Fieber (Hemiptera, Tropiduchidae) in Apulia

Recent findings of Ommatissus binotatus Fieber (Hemiptera Tropiduchidae) in the city of Bari (Apulia) triggered a two-year (2014-2015) regional monitoring of its host plant, Chamaerops humilis L. (Mediterranean dwarf palm). Urban surveys revealed a widespread occurrence of the planthopper all over the Apulia region thus confirming its acclimation. In general many individuals and eggs were observed on the infested plants, often 30-50 per leaf. In particular, eggs were fixed into the leaf tissue, which was found damaged and infected by unidentified fungi. We infer that this species may constitute a threat of invasion for cultivated dwarf palms, which are largely planted in Apulia, especially in touristic and historical sites. O. binotatus is mostly spread in the Southern Mediterranean basin (including Sicily and Spain) and its new expansion to Apulia could be associated with general warming that has characterized the area in the last years. Extensive surveys in other Italian regions, investigations on the eggs-associated fungi, and evaluation of the potential of the planthopper to become a key palm pest are strongly suggested. Ommatissus binotatus shall not be considered a threatened Taxon anymore