Short communication, Note
https://doi.org/10.20302/NC.2026.35.30
First record of invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in Kosovo
Milaim Musliu
; University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, 30000 Pejë, Kosovo
Donard Geci
; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Mother Teresa Street p.n., 10000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
*
Astrit Bilalli
; University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, 30000 Pejë, Kosovo
Halil Ibrahimi
; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Mother Teresa Street p.n., 10000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys is a highly invasive pentatomid native to East Asia, currently expanding throughout Europe, North America and parts of South America. Its successful range expansion is linked to broad climatic tolerance, polyphagous feeding habits, and high ecological plasticity. In November 2025, a single individual of H. halys (Stål, 1855) was recorded in Klina, Kosovo, marking the first confirmed occurrence of this species in the country. The specimen was collected by hand in an abandoned house near the Drini i Bardhë River and preserved in 90% ethanol. Identification was carried out under laboratory conditions using standard dichotomous keys.
This new faunistic record contributes to the knowledge of the species’ distribution within the Balkans and raises questions regarding its establishment potential and future spread in the region. Further systematic surveys are required to evaluate environmental drivers facilitating colonization and to assess possible ecological and agricultural impacts within Kosovo.
Keywords
pest expansion; entomological survey; species distribution; Balkan Peninsula
Hrčak ID:
350773
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2026.
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