The northern distribution limit of Theresimima ampellophaga (Bayle-Barelle, 1809) in Albania: results obtained by sex pheromone traps (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae, Procridinae)

Abstract

Theresimima ampellophaga (Bayle-Barelle, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae, Procridinae), occurs as a partly harmful species in vineyards in the Mediterranean region, where it has the proper conditions for larvae development, including the host plants and hilly relief. In 2017, has been registered as a new country record in the vineyards of the western lowland in Albania on the base of a large-scale study using traps baited with the synthetic sex pheromone of Th. ampellophaga females or the sex attractant EFETOV-2. The further field works in 2018 and 2019 using sex pheromone traps aimed to establish in new localities in Albania and determine the northern distribution limit of Th. ampellophaga in this country. In 2019, low numbers males were captured in three vineyards in Apolloni, Radostinë (district of Fier) and Dukat i Ri (district of Vlorë), southern Albania in the first half of July, all from the first generation. As a preliminary result, the northern distribution limit in Albania is reported.