PLATYNOTA STULTANA WALSINGHAM, 1884 (LEPIDOPTERA TORTRICIDAE) FOUND IN ITALY, INVASIVE PEST IN EUROPE

Notes on the presence of the Omnivorous Leafroller, Platynota stultana (Lepidoptera Tortricidae), in Italy and its presence and interception in other European countries are reported. Geographical distributions and principal morphological and biological characters are illustrated. Considering the wide host range of P. stultana, this pest has the potential to damage many cultivated and wild plants in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) region. Its interception in England, the Netherlands, and Germany and its introduction into Spain and Italy clearly demonstrates that it has the potential to enter and establish itself in the Southern and Mediterranean parts of Europe. Key Words: Platynota stultana, Lepidoptera Tortricidae, Italy, Europe, pest risk.