Lip Focus: fresh Polish Resident

In fresh years, Poland has become home to a new, previously unknown insect – a lime focus, or a Mediterranean bug. This small, black and red insect, coming from the south of Europe, is increasingly found in parks, gardens and parcels across the country. What does a lime focus look like, and is it dangerous to people?

The appearance of a lime concentrate in Poland

Lip Focus (_Oxycarenus lavaterae_) appeared in Poland a fewer years ago, and its presence is increasing. Currently, it meets in many cities, including Szczecin, Katowice, Legnica or Poznań. This insect settles on tree trunks and branches, forming dense colonies. It's usually found in lime, hence its name. any Polish residents study that lime concentrate can break into apartments, which can origin any anxiety.

Characterisation of the lime concentrate

Lip focus is an insect in a row of multi-winged bugs (_Heteroptera_). It is an invasive species from the Mediterranean. He reached Central Europe in the 1980s. Since then, it has expanded its scope to another countries. The lime focus is primarily extended by man, among others by means of transport. In Poland, it was first observed in 2014 in Podkarpacie.

Causes of the appearance of a lime concentration in Poland

One of the reasons for the emergence of a lime concentration in Poland is climate warming. An invasion of the Mediterranean bug was besides observed in another countries for which it is not a characteristic species. His presence was noted in Prague, Berlin and Vienna.

Behaviour and appearance of the lime concentrate

The linden scabbard lives on green plants belonging to the household Slavics (_Malvaceae JUSS._). It winters on trees, mostly of a kind of lime (_Tilia L._). It creates dense clusters of hundreds and thousands of individuals. The intent of collecting insects is to keep heat, as it is simply a species delicate to temperature drops. The focus of the lime looks like a common blacksmith in Poland (_Pyrrhocoris apterus_), commonly referred to as a "tramvaiser". But he's smaller than him. The dimension of the body of the lime concentrate ranges from 4.8 to 6 mm. Males are somewhat smaller than females. Focus is black, and from the bottom – red. It's got a black head on it. He has white-red-black wings on his torso. He's got a stingy mouth.

Is lip focus dangerous?

Lip focus is not dangerous to humans. The appearance of a Mediterranean bug may origin fear, but it should not be feared. But be careful due to the fact that the bug can fly into apartments. The insect sucks out the juices from the plants, which may weaken them or lead to deformation. In turn a weakened tree may be more susceptible to damage, disease, and another pests.

According to data from the Institute for Plant Protection in Poznań, in 2020, a lime focus was observed in 14 voivodships, meaning that it is simply a species widely spread in the country. It is besides worth knowing that lime focus can be a carrier of diseases specified as viral plant diseases. It is so crucial to take preventive action to limit the spread of this insect.

In summary, the lime focus is simply a fresh resident of Poland, which is increasingly found in parks and gardens. Although it is not dangerous for humans, it is worth to be careful to avoid the insect entering homes.