The gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae Haldemann (Diptera Cecidomyiidae) new invasive alien species in Europa – Review

Abstract

The most important pests of acacia black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) (Fabaceae) are: Appendiseta robiniae Gillette, Phyllonorycter robiniella Clemens, Parectopa robiniella Clemens, Nematus tibialis Newman and Obolodiplosis robiniae Haldemann, species from North America, where it also originates the acacia, which is the host plant. In Europe these species were introduced accidentally, being considered invasive species. In Europe, O. robiniae Haldemann was first reported in July 2003 in northeastern Italy, in Paese near Padua, from where it spread to almost the entire European continent, especially through trade in infested biological material from nurseries. The attack occurs in the species R. pseudoacacia L., R. viscosa L. and R. hispida L., mainly in urban areas, where it mainly affects their aesthetic value. The larvae develop characteristic leaf margin roll galls on the infested leaves. There are up to 6 galels on a leaflet, and on average there are up to 5-6 larvae. In Europe it develops two, three and, in optimal conditions, even four generations a year. Zoophagous entomofauna can cause population decline, especially parasitoid species. For Platygaster robiniae Buhl & Duso (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) the percentage of parasites reported was up to 40%. A low percentage of parasitism can be produced by other species, such as: Aprostocetus sp., Chrysocharis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Eupelmus urozonus Dalman (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), Eurytoma verticillata F. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), Mesopolobus mediterraneus Mayr. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Torymus sp (Hymenoptera: Torymidae).