chinch bugs have been detected in large sunken dead patches of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) lawns in different locations of Lisbon and Setubal districts, in Portugal. Based on morphological and molecular studies, using mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, the collected insects were identified as Blissus insularis (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Blissidae). This is the first record of this noxious chinch bug species in Europe and in the Palaearctic region.
Hercinothrips dimidiatus Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was detected in several localities in the region of Lisbon, in Portugal, infesting Aloe arborescens Miller (Asphodelaceae) and causing considerable damage. This is the first record of this thrips in Europe and in the Palaearctic region.
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