April 11, 2017: first seasonal observation of adults of Philaenus spumarius in Salento

Among the activities of the POnTE project aimed to study the biology of the vector Philaenus spumarius, periodical samplings and field observations have been carried out in the area of the provinces of Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto (Apulia, southern Italy) affected by Xylella fastidiosa. Within the framework of these activities, Philaenus spumarius adults were observed for the first time in the season on April 11.

Insects were caught in the countryside of Gallipoli and Cavallino (province of Lecce) and they were identified through the microscopic examination of key morphological characters.

A formal communication of the finding was given today, on April 12, to the Apulian Regional Plant Protection Service.