An enemy of turf-grasses, Sphenophorus placidus vestitus, collected in Cyprus

🗺️ Native to North America, the turf-grass beetle Sphenophorus placidus vestitus has been accidentally transported outside its native range, reaching Eastern countries such as Iraq, Japan, Korea and
Qatar and in the Mediterrnanean, France (including Corsica), Greece, Morocco, Spain (including Canary Islands).

🐞 A single specimen was collected alive in Protaras, Ammochostos (Cyprus) by Mr Erodotos Kakouris within 10-20 m from the coast, on the surface of the sea. The specimen was identified by Mr Chistodoulos Makris and confirmed by Mr George Kakiopoulos. This constitutes the first report of S. placidus vestitus from the island.

⛳ As Protaras is a famous touristic resort situated along the coastline which maintains open areas covered by imported turf-grass, the specimen most probably originated from the coast of Protaras. As the main introduction pathway for the species has been related to the import of turf-grasses, an accidental introduction to the island via imported turf-grasses is hypothesized.

🆘 Sphenophorus placidus vestitus has been identified as a major pest of turf-grasses in both its native range and invaded countries, commonly found in golf courses and orchardgrass. The distribution of the species within Cyprus, the presence of established populations and any adverse economic impact on the island are currently unknown.

📖 Read more about the species here:
https://tinyurl.com/23tbbk4j

Kakouris E, Makris C, Demetriou J (2022) First record of Sphenophorus placidus vestitus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae) in Cyprus. Hellenic Plant Protection Journal 15(2): 72-75. https://doi.org/10.2478/hppj-2022-0008

Publicado el 24 de enero de 2023 por jakovosdemetriou