The ongoing dispersion of the Eucalyptus bronze bug (Thaumastocoris peregrinus) in Spain

Abstract

Aim of stydy: Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Carpinteiro & Dellapé, 2006) is notable for its dispersion potential, and for its damage to a wide range of hosts of the genus Eucalyptus. The intense movement of people and cargo between continents contributes to the success of its geographical distribution on the globe and hinders the adoption of preventive measures. The celerity and precision in the identification of T. peregrinus, as well as its invasion and dispersion routes are fundamental for the implementation of measures to prevent new invasions.Area of Study: Park of Retiro in the community of Madrid, Spain, where T. peregrinus is present.Material and methods: In this paper we analysed this COI mtDNA gene in T. peregrinus, using samples collected in a park in Madrid urban area, to study the possible ways of introduction of this insect in Spain. This goal can be achieved using molecular methods to amplify and sequence the COI mtDNA gene, which is used as a barcode gene.Results: The results confirm that the population found in Madrid belong to T. peregrinus species and that all the specimens are from the same maternal lineage.Research highlights: We present the first molecular information of the population of T. peregrinus present in the country, and suggest and discuss possible routes of introduction of the species in Spain.