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The first detection of the tiger mosquito, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894), in the autonomous community of Galicia (Spain) is reported. The finding has been possible thanks to the collaboration between citizens, the citizen science application Mosquito Alert and the Rede Galega de Vixilancia de Vectores (ReGaViVec). At the beginning of August 2023, a same person submitted through the app several reports consistent with the tiger mosquito in the municipality of Moaña, in Pontevedra. The ReGaViVec entomological team confirmed the species and conducted vector surveillance in the area by placing traps (11 ovitraps and 3 BG-Sentinel 2 with BG-Lure attractant) with a weekly collection frequency. This finding represents the most northwestern detection of the tiger mosquito in the Iberian Peninsula and shows the crucial role of citizen science in vector surveillance., (Copyright © 2024 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

This article chronicles the development of a plague of locusts in Spain during the 18th century. The author examines the contemporary entomological understanding of locusts and insects, with a specific emphasis on their morphology and behavior. He also considers the knowledge of the relationship between environmental changes and the appearance of locust swarms at the time. The methods used to attempt to control and destroy the invading locust population are detailed. The effects of the locusts on agricultural society are also explored.