The presence of an introduced termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was recently reported for the first time in Italy, where it was found in Olgiate Olona (Lombardy). In this study, we report the finding of an additional R. flavipes infestation in Vailate (Lombardy), about 70 km from Olgiate Olona, indicating that this pest may be more widely distributed than previously known. Another sample examined in this study, collected in Rozzano (Lombardy), was found to belong to Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi), the only Reticulitermes species known for Italy up to 2001. Because south of Lombardy the recently described species Reticulitermes urbis Bagneres, Uva et Clement is also present, Reticulitermes distribution in Lombardy should be re-analyzed on the basis of genetic analysis.
Ghesini S., Pilon N., Marini M. (2011). A new finding of Reticulitermes flavipes in northern Italy. BULLETIN OF INSECTOLOGY, 64 (1), 83-86.
A new finding of Reticulitermes flavipes in northern Italy
GHESINI, SILVIA;MARINI, MARIO
2011
Abstract
The presence of an introduced termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was recently reported for the first time in Italy, where it was found in Olgiate Olona (Lombardy). In this study, we report the finding of an additional R. flavipes infestation in Vailate (Lombardy), about 70 km from Olgiate Olona, indicating that this pest may be more widely distributed than previously known. Another sample examined in this study, collected in Rozzano (Lombardy), was found to belong to Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi), the only Reticulitermes species known for Italy up to 2001. Because south of Lombardy the recently described species Reticulitermes urbis Bagneres, Uva et Clement is also present, Reticulitermes distribution in Lombardy should be re-analyzed on the basis of genetic analysis.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
