Monitoring of harmful insect species in urban conditions in selected model areas of Slovakia

Abstract

Research was carried out in 7 model urban areas of Slovakia (Nitra, Topolčany, Komárno, Partizánske, Pieštany, Prievidza, Trnava) in 2005-2006. Research was aimed at phytophagous insects damaging allochthonous and autochthonous ornamental woody plants, growing in the urban environment. Because of the importance of alien (introduced) species in this country, we were also interested in this problem. Field research was realized minimally three times per vegetation period. We collected samples of damage symptoms, adult samples or larval samples. In total, we recorded 409 species and 5 varieties of phytophagous insects in the examined areas. From that number the order Lepidoptera accounted for the highest percentage (29.25%). We recorded 52 species of alien insects. During the research period we recorded 9 new alien species for Slovakia in the model areas.