Surveillance and seasonal dynamics of two invasive Ricaniidae species in an Italian nursery system: Implications for early detection and monitoring

Abstract

The invasive alien planthoppers Pochazia shantungensis and Ricania speculum (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) threaten ornamental plant production across Europe. The rapid spread of these species represents an emerging concern for the European nursery trade and for phytosanitary surveillance, in particular for the ban on ornamental plant export. This study provides the first evidence of their co‐occurrence in a Mediterranean nursery and evaluates their relative abundance, seasonal dynamics and responsiveness to monitoring tools. Sampling was conducted in a nursery in Pistoia (Tuscany, Central Italy) using yellow and green adhesive chromotropic traps from July to November 2025, complemented by Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) calculated after visual surveys. Traps captured 312 individuals of P. shantungensis and 135 of R. speculum , while visual surveys recorded 513 and 53 individuals, respectively, confirming the dominance of P. shantungensis . Yellow traps consistently intercepted more individuals than green traps, with captures being highest near host plants, demonstrating their functional value for early detection and monitoring. Seasonal trends showed a peak in P. shantungensis abundance in mid‐October, with late‐stage nymphs and adults co‐occurring, suggesting a possible bivoltine life cycle under local conditions. These results offer essential insights for integrated pest management in nursery systems and underscore the ecological and operational implications of co‐occurring invasive planthoppers, highlighting the need for targeted monitoring strategies to mitigate potential damage in ornamental plant production.