Occurrence, Distribution and Population Genetics of Invasive Leafhoppers Arboridia kakogawana, Tautoneura polymitusa and Erasmoneura vulnerata (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) in the Viticultural Regions of Serbia

Invasive leafhopper species Arboridia kakogawana, Tautoneura polymitusa and Erasmoneura vulnerata were investigated for distribution, routes of introduction and population genetics in the viticultural regions of Serbia. Surveillance traps were set up in vineyards and natural habitats across 26 administrative districts between 2017 and 2025. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1) and a nuclear wingless gene (Wg) were used in phylogenetic analysis. Arboridia kakogawana showed a significant invasive potential with its populations sampled from 19 districts. A single COX1 haplotype detected was identical with specimens from Bulgaria and Georgia suggesting a shared origin and probable invasion route via the Black Sea region. Tautoneura polymitusa expressed limited invasiveness, predominantly with northern distribution and very low population density. One detected COX1 haplotype shared identity with samples from Hungary, indicating their joint origin. Erasmoneura vulnerata has the greatest invasive potential, detected in all inspected districts. Eighteen COX1 haplotypes clustered into a monophyletic group. Three lineages were separated but morphologically indistinguishable, with a 7.5 to 9.5% average divergence between the groups. Analysis of Wg sequences led to the discovery of only two haplotypes, confirming their common ancestry. Diversity of Serbian COX1 haplotypes entirely reflected genetic variability in the native range, indicating a complex scenario of E. vulnerata introduction from multiple sources with admixed genotypes, including co-introduction of uncovered cryptic lineages.