Cold tolerance of the invasive oak lace bug, <i>Corythucha arcuata</i>

The North American oak lace bug (OLB), Corythucha arcuata, is an invasive species in Europe and a serious threat to oak-dominated forests. Survival at low temperatures one major factor determining the spread of insects. Thus, we studied key traits, that is, cold-tolerance strategy, supercooling points (SCP) chilling-related mortality, overwintering adults assess their potential withstand harsh winters. Samples for SCP measurements were collected once month from November 2020 until March 2021 three different locations Hungary; specimens chilling experiments sampled 2020, January 2021. SCPs ranged −29.68 −7.49 °C, with only moderate variation among months; C. arcuata freeze-avoidant species. Mortality rates exposed two sub-zero above (−3 −5 °C) 1, 2 3 weeks between 0% 69.1%, suggesting OLB has risk die injuries. Exposure time sampling date affected lowest survival after weeks,