Preliminary study on the biology, natural enemies and chemical control of the invasive Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama) on urban Ficus microcarpa L. trees in Valencia (SE Spain)

[EN] The phenology and natural enemies of Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera. Homotomidae) on Ficus microcarpa L. in Valencia (Spain) were studied in 2013. During the study, all immature instars of the pest were found on infested shoots indicating overlapping generations. However, two consistent increases in the proportion of the first two nymphal instars were detected in early March and June, possibly suggesting the beginning of spring and summer generations. Eggs of Macrohomotoma gladiata were usually found below the stipules of new healthy shoots, arranged in groups of 15-30 units. First two nymphal instars usually preferred the innermost part of the shoot, whereas the older de…