Mediterranean-expansion
Guides
Choreutis
Choreutis is a genus of metalmark moths in the family Choreutidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It serves as the type genus for both the family Choreutidae and subfamily Choreutinae. Several species within this genus, particularly Choreutis nemorana (fig-tree skeletonizer) and Choreutis sexfasciella (Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer), have become notable as invasive pests of Ficus species, with documented range expansions into Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Tempyra biguttula
Large-spotted Seed Bug
Tempyra biguttula is a minute dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. Native to North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, it has established populations across Oceania including Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. The species has recently expanded into the Mediterranean region, with confirmed records in Spain, Portugal, France, and Croatia. It is attracted to light and has been documented exhibiting teratological antennae abnormalities.
Zelus renardii
leaf hopper assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus renardii is a medium to large assassin bug native to western North and Central America that has become a successful global invader. The species is diurnal and employs a distinctive predatory strategy using sticky secretions from glandular setae on its forelegs to capture prey, earning it the common name 'sundew assassin bug.' It has been introduced to the Mediterranean basin, Pacific islands, Hawaii, Chile, Argentina, and Easter Island, primarily through human-mediated transport of nursery plants. The species is considered for biological control of agricultural pests but its generalist predatory habits create complex trophic interactions.