Updating new invasions: The Australian tortoise beetle Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn, 1897) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn, 1897) is a non-indigenous beetle of the Iberian Peninsula herbivorous of several species of Eucalyptus trees. Since its first detection in Europe in 2014, little information is available about the populations of this beetle in this distribution range. Therefore, a complete chorological update of the Australian tortoise beetle in the Iberian Peninsula is carried out. The ecology, phenology and potential distribution are discussed. Certain features of its morphology are fully illustrated to increase knowledge of this species. Finally, other remarks of interest that could be useful for the future management perspectives of this plague of Eucalyptus in the European continent are commented on briefly.