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Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Central Europe, Phlebotomus mascittii is the predominant species, but largely understudied. To better understand factors driving its current distribution, we infer patterns of genetic diversity by testing for signals of population expansion based on two mitochondrial genes and model current and past climate and habitat suitability for seven post-glacial maximum periods, taking 19 climatic variables into account. Consequently, we elucidate their connections by environmental-geographical network analysis. Most analyzed populations share a main haplotype tracing back to a single glacial maximum refuge area on the Mediterranean coasts of South France, which is supported by network analysis. The rapid range expansion of Ph. mascittii likely started in the early mid-Holocene epoch until today and its spread possibly followed two routes. The first one was through northern France to Germany and then Belgium, and the second across the Ligurian coast through present-day Slovenia to Austria, toward the northern Balkans. Here we present a combined approach to reveal glacial refugia and post-glacial spread of Ph. mascittii and observed discrepancies between the modelled and the current known distribution might reveal yet overlooked populations and potential further spread., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

During recent surveys on leafhoppers in urban and agroecosystem areas in Europe the Oriental Hishimonus diffractus Dai, Fletcher Zhang, 2013 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) has been found. This species, described from China and Thailand, is recorded here for the first time from Europe in the following countries: France, Portugal (Madeira), Spain, Gibraltar, United Kingdom, and Italy (Sicily). H. diffractus has been found associated with Jasminum and Olea (Oleaceae), Citrus (Rutaceae), Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae), Rubus (Rosaceae), Nerium (Apocynaceae) and Vitis (Vitaceae). Presence of the adults, morphological features, and some biological notes are provided to H. diffractus. Furthermore, Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh, 1976 is here reported for the first time in Spain and France. All Hishimonus species introduced in Europe are considered, and their economic importance discussed. Details on the first record and country in Europe, origin area, current distribution and host plants are given for each species.