Seven species of whitefly new for Gibraltar, including fig whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Abstract

Seven species of whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are recorded for the first time from Gibraltar, six of which are non-native introductions. The most notable species are: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) complex, which is a major economic agricultural and horticultural pest, and virus vector; and Singhiella simplex (Singh), which is native to S.E. Asia, feeding exclusively on Ficus spp., and a recent introduction to the Mediterranean. Singhiella simplex is also recorded for the first time from Mallorca (Spain) and Morocco.