Detection of an invasive serious pest: the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Iran

Mayetiola destructor (Say, 1817) originated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East and is one of the most serious pests of wheat, rye and barley and more than 16 Poaceae wild species.Here, we report the occurrence of this species as an invasive pest for the first time in Iran.It was detected in wheat fields and rye in Qshch Pass, Urmia environ, West Azarbaijan province (September 2020) as well as in wheat fields in Bil-e Savar, Ardabil province (July 2024).The diagnostic characters and its life history as well as the photographs of the adult male and female, larvae, puparium, male genitalia and wing venation are provided.This is the second species from the genus Mayetiola that has been reported from Iran.To prevent the spread of this destructive pest in Iran, suitable management practices are urgently needed.