First record of the leafhopper Asymmetrasca decedens (Homoptera: Cidadellidae) in mainland Portugal.

Asymmetrasca decedens, a polyphagous leafhopper widely distributed in Mediterranean region, is here reported as a new record to mainland Portugal. Heavy infestations of this species have been found associated with peach, apricot and plum orchards, as well as on Alnus glutinosa, in southern of �erra da �ardunha ��eira �nterior �egion�. �ypical symp� toms, the so�called ‘hopperburn’, with leaves turning yellow and curling their edges downwards before drying�out and shedding, were spotted. �oth adults and immature forms cause direct injury and the species also has the ability to be a vector of European �tone Fruit Yellows �16�X���, among other phytoplasmas. External morphological characteristics of A. decedens, illustration of the male genitalia and a brief description of leaf lesions on peach are presented, in order to enable its identification, since it has a great potential for spreading as a pest. Not only A. decedens reveals a significant resistance to conventional insecticides, which may hinder its control, but also it has a vast host range of economically important plants, like ornamental or fruit trees.