Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Global Distribution, European Records and Comparison with Halyomorpha halys

Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a polyphagous Asian stink bug, is increasingly recorded beyond its principal range, raising questions about establishment and phytosanitary significance in Europe. This critical narrative review synthesizes the published literature and official phytosanitary information on diagnostic morphology, invasion-relevant biological traits, global distribution, European records and surveillance, drawing comparisons with the documented invasion history and biology of Halyomorpha halys. Evidence available through September 2026 distinguishes an established Albanian population from limited Greek occurrences, transient records in Belgium and Italy, and transport-associated interceptions in Czechia. Repeated Greek observations suggest persistence, but establishment remains unconfirmed. Phylogeographic evidence identifies coastal populations of the eastern Asian lineage as the probable source of the Albanian population, without resolving the origins or connectivity of other European records. Broad host use, adult overwintering and human-mediated transport may facilitate invasion, but the species’ seasonal development, reproductive host suitability and agricultural impact in different European regions remain poorly quantified. Comparison with H. halys identifies surveillance opportunities without supporting predictions of an equivalent invasion trajectory. Priorities include reliable identification, follow-up of detections and research on seasonal persistence, crop impact, population connectivity, species-specific monitoring tools and potential control methods.