New distribution records of some alien and invasive spiders (Araneae: Salticidae, Titanoecidae) and insects (Cicadomorpha: Acanaloniidae; Coleoptera: Cerambicidae, Dermestidae, Latridiidae) in Bulgaria

Human transportation and agriculture have facilitated both the intentional and accidental introduction of species of organisms outside of their natural areal. While a significant portion does not survive at their new destination, historically, a large number of species have successfully established populations way outside of their natural distribution, and this number continues to grow. Some of them have proven to be detrimental to local ecosystems (invasive species), others, especially phytophagous ones, to human agriculture. Other species have not shown such adverse effects to their new environment, but a portion of them may exhibit such traits in the future. These factors highlight the importance that the monitoring of imports holds.

We provide the first record of Pandava laminata (Thorell, 1878) (Araneae: Titanoecidae) from the Balkans, as well as the first records of Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826) (Araneae: Salticidae) and Neoclytus acuminatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Cerambicidae) from Bulgaria. In addition, new records of Acanalonia conica (Say, 1830) (Acanaloniidae) in the city of Sofia, of Reesa vespulae (Milliron, 1939) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in Sofia and Plovdiv, and Cartodere nodifer (Westwood, 1839) (Coleoptera: Latridiidae) from Sofia are provided.

This study is a part of the Project “Monitoring the effects of global climate changes through qualitative and quantitative analysis of model animal groups in selected corridors of thermophilic fauna penetration in Bulgaria” (funded by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria under grant contract number KP-06-N61/6 – 14.12.2022).