First Record of the Western Conifer Seed Bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Hemiptera, Coreidae), from Palestine

Abstract

This is the first report of the invasive Western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Hemiptera, Coreidae) from the Palestine geography representing its southern-most record in Asia. The record is from Wadi Al Makhrour, a valley considered as a key biodiversity area (KBA) and a UNESCO World Heritage site. L. occidentalis is a significant pest of pine trees and an invasive species to the Mediterranean region originally from western North America. More studies are needed on its ecology, status, genetics, distribution, and potential damage in Palestine.