OAK LACE BUG СORYTHUCHA ARCUATA (SAY, 1832) (HEMIPTERA: TINGIDAE) – A NEW INVASIVE PEST IN FORESTS OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF MOUNTAIN CRIMEA

The paper presents data on the distribution and relative abundance of a dangerous invasive pest – oak lace bug Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in the forests of the south-western part of Mountain Crimea. The history of its expansion beyond the primary range, food plants and biology-specific features were analyzed, the degree of oak trees lesions in various forest growing conditions was estimated. The invasion of this pest in Crimea probably occurred in 2015–2016 and currently its secondary range entirely covers the oak distribution area in the peninsula. Quercus robur L., Q. pubescens Willd and Q. cerris L. were registered as food crops. At the present stage of invasion, the distribution of C. arcuata in the oak forests of Mountain Crimea has a clearly focal character. The foci of C. arcuata were recorded at all altitudinal levels of oak forest range.