First record of Erthesina fullo (Thunberg, 1783) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Italy

Abstract

The yellow‐spotted stink bug, Erthesina fullo (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a highly polyphagous stink bug native to Asia with a well‐documented history of human‐mediated dispersal. In recent years, its invasive range has started to expand into Europe. Here, we document the first record of this pest in Italy, based on an adult female collected on a parked vehicle in an urban area of Montegrotto Terme (Padua province, north‐eastern Italy) in early April 2026. Morphological examination confirmed the species identity. The early spring collection aligns with typical post‐overwintering emergence. Immediate targeted field surveys in the area yielded no additional specimens. Given its broad host range across economically important crops, the impact of E. fullo on European agriculture warrants close attention and further evaluation in Italy and neighbouring countries.