engleski

First data on spider species as potential predators of the alien invasive oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) in the clonal seed orchard ‘Petkovac’

Oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) is a pest introduced from North America in Europe. It was first recorded in Italy in 2000. It was first found in Croatia in 2013 in the area of forest management division ‘Vinkovci’, where pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) has been damaged most severely. Due to the favourable climatic conditions and the lack of natural enemies, the pest could establish and spread in the newly invaded area. During a preliminary monitoring program carried out in winter 2018., potential oak lace bug predators (spiders) have been noticed under cardboards placed on three pedunculate oaks in the clonal seed orchard ‘Petkovac’ (forest management division ‘Vinkovci’, forest department ‘Otok’). A feeding experiment in a laboratory was designed to investigate whether predators found in the local ecosystem could accept oak lace bug as a prey. Three spider species have been revealed during the study, one of which has been proved to be a predator of the oak lace bug. The research is continued with the aims of monitoring natural predators on a regular basis and identifying trophic interactions in the areas invaded by the oak lace bug.

Quercus robur, non-native bug species, monitoring, trophic interactions

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