UPDATING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ALIEN AGAVE WEEVIL IN ITALY THROUGH CITIZEN-SCIENCE PLATFORMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Alien species represent a threat to native diversity and human economy. In this study, I investigated the range expansion of the agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus, a significant pest of ornamental plants of North-American origin, in Italy. Utilizing citizen science data from platforms like iNaturalist and social media, I described new occurrences in five Italian regions, including the first record for Veneto. Notably, I observed a new mitochondrial haplotype in Sardinia, closely resembling those found in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting still-ongoing introductions. My findings provide further confirmation to the critical role of citizen science in monitoring alien species invasions. The increasing presence of S. acupunctatus in Italian regions, including those previously unaffected, underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and rapid response mechanisms. Port areas, serving as major entry points for invasive species, require increased scrutiny to prevent further introductions through the trade of ornamental plants. This research emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures, including improved biosecurity protocols, to mitigate the impacts of this invasive pest and safeguard plant biodiversity in Italy. Key Words: Scyphophorus acupunctatus; Italy; mitochondrial DNA; online citizen-science platforms; social media