Add Germany to the List—Adventive Population of <i>Trissolcus japonicus</i> (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Emerges in Germany

The brown marmorated stink bug, <i>Halyomorpha halys</i>, is a polyphagous pest species of worldwide economic importance. Since the mid-1990s, it has invaded and become established in various countries outside its native Asian range. In the newly invaded areas, biological control by native natural enemies has been shown to be insufficient in the long-term control of this severe pest. Adventive populations of <i>Trissolcus japonicus</i>, an important biological control agent of <i>H. halys</i> in Asia, have been reported from North America and some European countries since the mid-2010s. This egg parasitoid species seems to follow in the wake of the establishment of <i>H. halys</i> populations outside their native Asian range. Here, we report the first discovery of an adventive population of <i>T. japonicus</i> in Germany. In 2020, adult <i>T. japonicus</i> were recovered from parasitized <i>H. halys</i> egg masses (naturally laid and sentinel egg masses) and collected in ruderal areas using an insect suction sampler. The arrival of <i>T. japonicus</i> in Germany, unintentional through pathways yet unknown, corroborates a northbound expansion of its range within Europe. Further field surveys will show the extent of its dispersal and establishment capacities within this new distribution area.