New records of Ripersiella (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) species and identification key of Rhizoecidae in Italy

Abstract

Biological invasions are one of the major constraints worldwide because of the economic and environmental consequences they may pose. Root mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) are continuously transported worldwide with plant soil because of their cryptic behavior. In this study it was reported the presence of Ripersiella multiporifera Jansen in Sicily for the first time and discussed the presence of R. maasbachi (Jansen) and R. hibisci (Kawai & Takagi) in Italy. A key is provided to identify the species of Rhizoecidae currently known in Italy. The species were identified by morphological features and characterized molecularly by using a partial COI mitochondrial gene. Our report alerts the presence of alien root mealybugs in Italy. R. hibisci is a quarantine species listed in Annex IIA of EU Regulation 2019/2072.