Oxycarenus lavaterae Fabricius, an Invasive Species for Tilia spp. in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Abstract
In urban landscape design, Tilia spp. (Linden trees) are frequently used due to their aesthetic value.
Among the pests affecting Linden trees, the most significant are the eriophyid mites, Eriophyes tiliae
Pagenstecher, and aphids. Since 1985, the invasive species Oxycarenus lavaterae Fabricius has been
reported on the European continent, and it entered Romania in 2009. In Cluj-Napoca, Romania, this
pest has been monitored during the period 2021-2022. Most hibernating colonies are found on Tilia
cordata Mill., while fewer are observed on Tilia platyphyllos Scop. The colony size ranges from 8 to 18
cm², with 785 to 3428 individuals per colony and an average of 2117 individuals. In the studied area,
the species exhibits a single generation. Hibernating adults begin to migrate into the tree's canopy in
the second half of May. The adults of the first generation are observed in August, and from September,
they retreat for hibernal diapause.