NEW RECORDS OF CICADULINA BIPUNCTATA (MELICHAR, 1904) (HEMIPTERA CICADELLIDAE) FROM SPAIN AND ITALY AND UPDATE ON ITS DISTRIBUTION IN EUROPE

The leafhopper Cicadulina bipunctata (Melichar, 1904), native to northern and eastern Africa and hitherto collected in Europe only in Greece, Italy (Sicily) and Spain (Andalusia), was also found in Sardinia and Calabria (Italy) and its occurrence in the Spanish province of Alicante was confirmed. Its European distribution is updated, also considering data obtained by tracking via internet photo sharing websites. Its possible range expansion in Europe, habitat, and phytosanitary issues are explained and discussed. Key Words: Auchenorrhyncha, Deltocephalinae, range expansion, Poaceae pathogen vector