First record of Japananus hyalinus in urban green areas in Greece

The Japanese maple leafhopper Japananus hyalinus is an invasive, phloem feeding true bug species of maples ( Acer sp. ). Originally native to eastern Asia, J. hyalinus has rapidly spread to North America, Europe and Australia with the international trade of ornamental maples. Since 1961, when it was detected for the first time in Austria, the Japanese maple leafhopper has expanded to neighboring central European countries. In 2024, it was detected for the first time in Greece infesting field maples ( Acer campestre ) planted in urban areas of two closely related tows namely, Diavata and Nea Magnisia (Central Macedonia, Greece). Species identification was based both on morphological traits and molecular (mtDNA) markers. Given the fact that J. hyalinus has been occasionally observed infesting grapevines, and considering the capacity of closely-related leafhopper species to transmit phytoplasmas, it is evident that further research is warranted to assess the exact potential impact of this species on Greek viticulture.