The alien leafhopper Balclutha brevis Lindberg, 1954 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and its hostplant, the invasive Poaceae Pennisetum setaceum (Försskal) Chiov.: a real risk in the scenario of Mediterranean lands biodiversity?

It was reported the possible effects on biodiversity of our lands of the alien leafhopper Balclutha brevis Lindberg, 1954 and its alien hostplant, Pennisetum setaceum (Försskal) Chiov., a perennial grass of Poaceae spread throughout worldwide and recently also to Mediterranean countries. P. setaceum is an invasive species that colonise several environments and is able to modify and alter ecosystems replacing the herbaceous indigenous vegetation. Balclutha brevis described from the Canary Islands has been reported from Sicily and Malta Islands. In Sicily conspicuous populations of this species, with specimens of different generations live together during the whole year, are present. A Wolbachia strain and the Trichogrammatidae Oligosita balcluthae parasitoid of eggs affect B. brevis. The aggressiveness of P. setaceum and the speed of colonization of B. brevis could cause a banalization of flora an also fauna with modification of the entomocoenosis and possible transmission of disease to wild and cultivated plant.