First Records of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys (Stal, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Republic of North Macedonia

摘要

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is one of the most harmful invasive insect species worldwide. Originating from Asia, this species invaded first North America and later the European continent, where it has soon become widely spread. There have been no official data of the presence of H. halys on territory of the Republic of North Macedonia, although the species was recorded in the neighbouring countries: Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and most recently in Albania. This paper reports the first record of H. halys in two regions of R. North Macedonia: in the town of Gevgelija, situated close to the Greek border and in the capital Skopje. The transport as a stowaway and natural dispersal across borders are discussed as potential pathways of introduction of the pest species in this country. The establishment and further spread of H. halys in R. North Macedonia could be expected in the future.