First report of the lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Jasminum grandiflorum L. and Jasminum sambac (L.) from Syria

Abstract

In Syria, defoliation was noted on several Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac plants in various gardens in Latakia City and countryside in 2017. Subsequently, several male and female specimens of a lacebug insect were collected from the white jasmine, Jasminum grandiflorum, planted in the garden of the Latakia Center for Agricultural Research during 2018. Collected material was examined and identified as Corythauma ayyari (Drake). Infestation by this insect is considered by the authors to cause the defoliation of jasmine plants in Latakia City and it is reported to occur in Syria for the first time.

Corythauma ayyari (Insecta, Heteroptera, Tingidae) depends on its host plant to spread in Europe

“…grandiflorum L., and J . sambac L. (Oleaceae) but also Volkameria inermis L. (Lamiaceae) [ 15 ] and Trachelospermum sp. (Apocynaceae) [ 11 ].…”

Corythauma ayyari(Insecta, Heteroptera, Tingidae) depends on its host plant to invade Europe

“…It is notably found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Singapore [2, 3, 4] It is known as a pest of Jasmine in Southern India [5]. Recent observations report its presence in France [4, 6], Italy [3, 4, 7], Spain [2], Tunisia [8], Israel [9], and Syria [10]. Most records mention the three main host plants Jasminum officinale L., J. grandiflorum L., and J. sambac L. (Oleaceae) but also Volkameria inermis L. (Lamiaceae) [10] and Trachelospermum sp.…”

“…Recent observations report its presence in France [4, 6], Italy [3, 4, 7], Spain [2], Tunisia [8], Israel [9], and Syria [10]. Most records mention the three main host plants Jasminum officinale L., J. grandiflorum L., and J. sambac L. (Oleaceae) but also Volkameria inermis L. (Lamiaceae) [10] and Trachelospermum sp. (Apocynaceae) [6].…”

“…It has been observed that adults and nymphs develop on the underside of the leaves and feed on sap. The excreta of the tingid mar the leaves, greatly decreasing photosynthesis, which deteriorates the palisade parenchyma and leads to progressive desiccation of the plant [2–4, 7, 10]. The recent arrival in Europe of C. ayyari suggests that it could wreak havoc on Jasmine species but also other ornamental and/or crop plants, causing significant environmental and economic damage.…”

Scent of Jasmine Attracts Alien Invaders and Records on Citizen Science Platforms: Multiple Introductions of the Invasive Lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake, 1933) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Italy and the Mediterranean Basin

“…Among those, the jasmine lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake, 1933) is an invasive insect (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) native to Southern Asia from Pakistan to Indonesia (distribution summarized by [ 12 ]). In the last 20 years, the species has been recorded from Israel in 2004 [ 13 ], the United Arab Emirates in 2005 [ 14 ], France in 2009 [ 15 ], Italy in 2012 [ 16 ], Tunisia in 2013 [ 17 ], Malta [ 18 ] and Spain in 2014 [ 19 ], Greece in 2015 [ 20 ], Syria [ 21 ] and Egypt in 2017 [ 22 ], and the Principality of Monaco in 2019 [ 23 ].…”