From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe

<i>Corythucha arcuata</i>, commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an insect species originally native to North America that has become an invasive species of significant concern in Europe. This invasive pest has been observed in various European countries, raising concerns about it...

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Main Authors: Flavius Bălăcenoiu, Dragoș Toma, Constantin Nețoiu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Insects
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/11/882
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author Flavius Bălăcenoiu
Dragoș Toma
Constantin Nețoiu
author_facet Flavius Bălăcenoiu
Dragoș Toma
Constantin Nețoiu
author_sort Flavius Bălăcenoiu
collection DOAJ
description <i>Corythucha arcuata</i>, commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an insect species originally native to North America that has become an invasive species of significant concern in Europe. This invasive pest has been observed in various European countries, raising concerns about its impact on forest ecosystems. In 2015, it was first documented in Romania, further highlighting the need for research on its bioecology and life cycle. This study investigated the bioecology of the OLB in the southern region of Romania, focusing on its life cycle, development, and population dynamics. The results indicated that the OLB has three generations per year and overwinters in the adult stage in sheltered locations. Temperature significantly influenced the timing of egg hatching, nymph appearance, and adult development, with variation observed between generations. Additionally, a life table analysis provided insights into the population dynamics of the OLB in its natural environment, revealing variation in egg laying trends across generations. This research contributes to a better understanding of the OLB’s bioecology and provides essential data for forest managers developing science-based management strategies to mitigate its impact. By elucidating the life cycle and development patterns of the OLB in southern Romania, this study aids in the development of predictive models and life tables tailored to the region. These findings empower forest managers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for effective OLB management, ultimately preserving the health of forest ecosystems.
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spelling doaj.art-b9386cbd90544e07a1c2a2da3d5891f42023-11-24T14:48:42ZengMDPI AGInsects2075-44502023-11-01141188210.3390/insects14110882From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in EuropeFlavius Bălăcenoiu0Dragoș Toma1Constantin Nețoiu2National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Dracea”, Eroilor 128, 077190 Voluntari, RomaniaNational Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Dracea”, Eroilor 128, 077190 Voluntari, RomaniaNational Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Dracea”, Eroilor 128, 077190 Voluntari, Romania<i>Corythucha arcuata</i>, commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an insect species originally native to North America that has become an invasive species of significant concern in Europe. This invasive pest has been observed in various European countries, raising concerns about its impact on forest ecosystems. In 2015, it was first documented in Romania, further highlighting the need for research on its bioecology and life cycle. This study investigated the bioecology of the OLB in the southern region of Romania, focusing on its life cycle, development, and population dynamics. The results indicated that the OLB has three generations per year and overwinters in the adult stage in sheltered locations. Temperature significantly influenced the timing of egg hatching, nymph appearance, and adult development, with variation observed between generations. Additionally, a life table analysis provided insights into the population dynamics of the OLB in its natural environment, revealing variation in egg laying trends across generations. This research contributes to a better understanding of the OLB’s bioecology and provides essential data for forest managers developing science-based management strategies to mitigate its impact. By elucidating the life cycle and development patterns of the OLB in southern Romania, this study aids in the development of predictive models and life tables tailored to the region. These findings empower forest managers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for effective OLB management, ultimately preserving the health of forest ecosystems.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/11/882biological invasionsinsect pestsdevelopment modeldegree daysforest management
spellingShingle Flavius Bălăcenoiu
Dragoș Toma
Constantin Nețoiu
From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
Insects
biological invasions
insect pests
development model
degree days
forest management
title From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
title_full From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
title_fullStr From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
title_full_unstemmed From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
title_short From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe
title_sort from field data to practical knowledge investigating the bioecology of the oak lace bug an invasive insect species in europe
topic biological invasions
insect pests
development model
degree days
forest management
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/11/882
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