Hexamermis popilliae n. sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Italy

Abstract

A new species of mermithid nematode, Hexamermis popilliae n. sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) is described from the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman in Italy, an area of new introduction for this invasive pest. The combination of the following characters separates H. popilliae from other members of the genus Hexamermis Steiner, 1924: adult head obtuse; amphidial pouches slightly posterior to lateral head papillae in female but adjacent to lateral head papillae in males; amphidial openings large, well developed; amphidial pouches elliptical in females and oblong in males; cuticular vulvar cone well developed, vulvar lips greatly reduced or lacking, vagina curved at tip where meeting uteri, without reverse bend (not S-shaped), spicules slightly curved, with a slight bend in the basal portion, approximately equal to body width at cloaca. This is the first record of a species of Hexamermis parasitizing the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica. The only previous mention of mermithid nematodes from P. japonica was an undescribed species of Psammomermis in North America. Hexamermis popilliae will be evaluated as a potential biological control agent in an integrated control program of the Japanese beetle in Italy.

Long‐lasting insecticide‐treated nets: A new integrated pest management approach for Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

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Saperda Tridentataolivier (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Lamiinae):continuous Interceptions at the Italian Port of Livorno Representa Growing Challenge for Phytosanitary Services

“…It should be stressed anyway that it is often complex to evaluate a priori the potential threat posed by invasive organisms in new environments (SABBATINI PEVERIERI et al, 2017). In fact, there is growing evidence that even species apparently harmless in their native range might turn into more aggressive pests once established in new ecosystems (EL KHOURY et al, 2019).…”

“…Timber trade and the widespread use of wood as packa ging material represent a potential risk for accidental introductions of xylophagous beetles belonging mainly to the families Cerambycidae, Buprestidae and Curculionidae (CAVEY, 1998;HAACK, 2001HAACK, , 2006HAACK et al, 2010;LIEBHOLD et al, 1995;MCCULLOUGH et al, 2006;AUKEMA et al, 2010, HAACK & RABAGLIA, 2013PENNACCHIO et al, 2003PENNACCHIO et al, , 2004PENNACCHIO et al, , 2012aPENNACCHIO et al, , 2012bPENNACCHIO et al, , 2016RASSATI et al, 2017;STRANGI et al, 2017;MEURISSE et al, 2019;TORRINI et al, 2019).…”

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First record of Ektaphelenchoides pini associated with Ips sexdentatus on Pinus nigra laricio in Italy

“…In the last decades, despite prevention and control measures, many alien species have been intercepted at the Italian entry ports. Some of them, once accidentally introduced into the Italian peninsula, easily spread and established in new areas, endangering local biodiversity and agriculture activities (Binazzi et al., 2019; Bullas‐Appleton, Kimoto, & Turgeon, 2014; Herard et al, 2009; Inghilesiet al, 2013; Mazza et al., 2017; Pennacchio et al., 2012; Torrini, Hantula, & Hallaksela, 2016).…”