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Hałaj R., Osiadacz B. (2017): Woolly ash aphid -is the alien bug posing a threat to European ash trees? -a review. Plant Protect. Sci., 53: 127-133.Prociphilus (Meliarhizophagus) fraxinifolii (Riley, 1879) (Hemiptera: Eriosomatidae) is an alien species in Europe that has been spreading quickly there. This paper presents the origin and current occurrence, classification, description, identification, and biology of this species. It also discusses the harmfulness and threats, especially the impact on hostplants and ecosystem, invasion rate and facilitating factors.

ABSTRACT. The grape phylloxera [Viteus vitifoliae (FITCH, 1855)] is reported in the Polish fauna for the first time. Adult females and galls are described, and information on its biology and distribution is summarized and commented on.

The paper presents first records of Pemphigus populi Courchet, 1879 (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea, Eriosomatidae) from Poland with a short description of the morphological characteristics of its fundatrix and fundatrigenia. Special attention is paid to the characteristics which distinguish this species from other Polish as well as the Central and North European representatives of this genus on poplars (Populus spp.). Information on the biology and distribution of P. populi in the world are given. A key to Central and North European species of Pemphigus , based on their galls formed on the primary host plants is also provided.

The aim of this project was to characterize the aphid groups closely, relating to xerothermic plant assemblages (Festuco-Brometea class) and identifing the aphid species diagnostic for this type of community (aphidocoenosis). The paper represents the first attempt to classify the aphid communities distributed in one type of particular habitat at a country-level scale. The research involved quantitative and qualitative sampling, conducted at 23 xerothermic study sites in 7 regions (belonging to 3 geographical provinces of Central Europe), for three years. Among the 187 aphid species collected, 91 were determined to be closely associated with xerothermic habitats. Of these, 32 were considered to be diagnostic in recognizing xerothermic aphid communities. The xerothermic habitats in question proved to be diverse, with a high value of Shannon’s index (Pielou’s eveness index) (85.95%). The diagnostic species formed a characteristic species community, varying between the regions of the studied areas. This was confirmed by a statistical analysis of similarities based on Ward’s method. Frequency analyses indicate that many aphids related to xerothermic habitats are scarce locally and rare on a regional spatial scale. They exhibit a narrow geographical range and a narrow ecological amplitude and thus can be described as unique on a global scale

ABSTRACT. The paper deals with the relationships of aphids and their host-plants of the family Campanulaceae (bellflower family). The survey was conducted in xerothermic habitats during the years 2008-2010. A total of 84 plots were examined in the western, southern and eastern parts of Poland. The aphids were collected in 28 plots (42 records). As a result, 4 aphid species feeding on 6 different host plants of Campanulaceae were confirmed.

Cinara curvipes (Patch, 1912), a Nearctic aphid species first recorded in Europe at the turn of the millenium, has invaded almost one quarter of the continent during the past 15 years. This communication gives information about the first reports from Poland, summarises the species' conquest of Europe and gives forecasts and possible explanations for such a rapid expansion. An identification key to aphid species on Abies is provided to help monitor its further expansion, as well as for the benefit of forestry and phytosanitary services.

Aphis vitalbae Ferrari is reported from Poland for the first time on ornamental clematis (Clematis spp.). The distribution of this aphid in Europe and its possible expansion route are presented with a key to identifying the aphids infesting Clematis plants in Europe.