Insects have been documented as a successful invaders and one of the most important alien invasive species group, in term of numbers as well as in impact (Brockerhoff and Liebhold 2017). In Europe more than 400 alien invasive insect species feeding on woody plants have been identified (Roques et al. 2016), with new species constantly introduced with no signs of saturation (Seebens et al. 2017). In Croatia 101 species of insect and mite alien species on woody plants have been recorded until 2013 (Matošević and Pajač 2013) with constant influx of new species in the following years (Matošević unpublished data). Members of all insect orders have been introduced and established in Europe, mainly from Asia and Northern America but also Mediterranean species have been spreading northwards and invading new habitats and making damages (Matošević and Pajač 2013, Roques et al. 2015). Until now only one alien species from the family of Psyllidae (Hemiptera) has been recorded in Croatia (Acizzia jamatonica Kuwayama 1908) (Seljak et al. 2004, Seljak 2006).

Cacopsylla pulchella Low (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) is a jumping plant–lice that is considered as an alien species in Europe (Mifsud et al. 2010). It is probably native in Eastern Mediterranean basin and Asia Minor (Mifsud et al. 2010). The first confirmed record of C. pulchella in Europe dates to 1964 in France (Hodkinson and White 1979) and afterwards in many European countries, such as: Austria, France, Great Britain, Greece, Swizerland (Zeidan-Gèze and Burckhardt 1998), Germany, Italy, Ukraine (Burckhardt 2010), Spain, Portugal (Sánchez 2011), Slovenia (Seljak 2006), Hungary (Ripka 2008), Serbia (Jerinić-Prodanović 2011) and Russia (Balakhnina et al. 2015). It was found also in Israel (Spodek et al. 2017) and Lebanon (Zeidan-Gèze and Burckhardt 1998). As a monophagous species it is feeding on the Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum L. (Burckhardt 1999), but has been also found on C. canadensis L. (Balakhnina et al. 2015). Judas tree is valued ornamental plant in the Mediterranean regions of Croatia. Attacks of C. pulchella reduce the ornamental value of the trees causing chlorosis and wilting of leaves (Rapisarda and Belcari 1997). The nymphs produce sugary honeydew which contaminates everything under the tree and is a nuisance to inhabitants.

The aim of this research is first record of the psyllid C. pulchella as a new addition to the alien insect fauna of Croatia and assessment of its potential as a pest causing damages on trees.

In May 2020 samples were collected from eleven locations in Croatia, mostly in the Mediterranean part, where C. siliquastrum is grown in parks. In the continental part trees were checked in Zagreb. Adults and nymphs of C. pulchella were collected together with a plant material and brought to the entomological laboratory in Croatian Forest Research Institute for further analysis. They were identified according to the keys by Hodkinson and White (1979), Loginova (1964) and Burckhardt (1999). Images of infested leaves and branches were taken with Olympus E-30 camera and detailed images of adults and nymphs were taken under dissecting microscope (Olympus, model SZX7) with an Olympus XC30 camera. All samples are kept in Croatian Forest Research Institute.

Additional field research was performed in order to assess the distribution and infestation intensity across various localities in Croatia (Table 1). The intensity of infestation was assessed heuristically by visual examination and was categorized in four categories: 0) no symptoms visible from distance or when observing single leaves, 1) low - symptoms are not visible when looking at a whole tree, only few specimens can be detected sporadically on single leaves, 2) moderate – symptoms are barely visible when looking at a whole tree, more than 5 specimens can be counted on 50% of observed leaves; 3) high – symptoms are visible when looking at a whole tree from distance, more than 10 specimens can be counted on at least 50% of observed leaves.

This is the first record of C. pulchella in Croatia. Its presence was confirmed in all inspected localities(Table 1). Most of the trees (80%) had a low or moderate intensity of infestation (Table 1). However, the highest infestation level was recorded in Novi Vinodolski and Pula. Introduction pathway of C. pulchella to Croatia is unknown and these first records (in Mediterranean and continental Croatia) may be independent from each other. It is possible that C. pulchella has been present in Croatia for several years or longer but has been overlooked due to different sampling efforts than in neighbouring countries and interests of the collectors. Wide distribution and intensity of infestation along the Croatian coast (Table 1) indicates this overlooked presence in Croatia.

Table 1.

Locality, address, geographic coordinates, host, number of checked trees and intensity of infestation.