First report in Italy of Thrips parvispinus (Karny, 1922) (Thysanoptera, Thripidae), a major threat for Sicilian horticulture and floriculture

The presence of Thrips parvispinus (Karny, 1922) is reported for the first time in Italy. Prior to this finding, within Europe the pest was only known to be established in Spain. The discovery happened in a greenhouse cultivating gerberas in south‐eastern Sicily, a region recognized as Italy's primary and one of Europe's most important greenhouse‐production areas. The pest is currently spreading rapidly in various parts of the world (Asia, Africa, North and Central America and Spain), causing considerable damage, especially to pepper crops. Details regarding the main morphological and biological characteristics, as well as the pest management of T. parvispinus , are provided. Given the economic importance of greenhouse horticulture and floriculture in the region where the finding was made, this new pest urgently requires monitoring and control measures to prevent further spread and safeguard this fundamental economic sector of Italian and European agriculture.