First report of Zelus renardii (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) preying on Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in olive cultivations in Greece

Abstract

Zelus renardii, Kolenati 1857 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) commonly known as the Leafhopper Assassin bug, is a Nearctic predatory insect, that preys on a wide range of insect species. The present work provides the first report of this species attacking the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in olive cultivation in regions of Phthiotida (Central Greece). Field and laboratory observations showed that Z. renardii attacked and fed on B. oleae.