New records of ten non-native insects (Arthropoda: Insecta) from the island of Cyprus

Approximately 14,000 species have been introduced outside their native range to Europe, with some of them becoming invasive as they establish, spread and cause impacts on people and nature. Terrestrial arthropods and particularly insects represent a large percentage of these non-native species, with phytophagous insects largely following the introduction of their host plants to new regions. Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus hosts more than 350 non-native species of insects, with the majority being phytophagous agricultural and horticultural pests. In this study, ten non-native, cryptogenic or data deficient taxa are reported for the first time i.e., harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), seed-beetle Bruchidius siliquastri (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), coffee bean weevil Araecerus fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), true bugs Corythauma ayyari, Stephanitis lauri (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and Montandoniola indica (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), ringlegged earwig Euborellia annulipes (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae), spiderling plume moth Megalorhipida leucodactylus (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae), as well as flies Horidiplosis ficifolii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Phytoliriomyza jacarandae (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Furthermore, we confirm the presence of the pyriform scale insect Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on Cyprus. These species are considered likely to be established with a wide distribution on the island, given the common use of recorded host plants as ornamentals in both urban and rural parks and gardens. Their observed and potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts are discussed.