Assessing the Distribution of Exotic Egg Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys in Europe with a Large-Scale Monitoring Program

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Classical biological control has been identified as the most promising method to reduce populations of H. halys. Adventive two candidates for releases, Trissolcus japonicus and mitsukurii, have recently detected in Europe. To assess their distribution abundance, large-scale survey was performed. From May September 2019, wide area covering northern Italy parts Switzerland surveyed, highlighting expanding both Tr. mitsukurii. Within four years after first detection Europe, species rapidly spread into all types habitats where present, showing continuous expansion. Both exotic showed high levels parasitism rate towards halys, while parasitization non-target rare event. generalist Anastatus bifasciatus predominant native parasitoid emergence scelionids from eggs rarely observed. presence hyperparasitoid Acroclisoides sinicus also recorded. This study provided fundamental data that supported development inoculative release program