Abstract: An invasive insect species on turfgrasses (Cynodon dactylon) in lawns is newly recorded in Shanghai, Eastern China. In the current investigations, we determined the taxonomic status, host plants and damages caused by this species. The species was identified based on morphological comparison, and then confirmed by the sequencing and comparison of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Both morphological and molecular  identification indicated that the newly invaded species is the bluegrass webworm moth, Parapediasia teterrella, a moth native to North America. Field investigation showed that the species was widely distributed in Shanghai and caused serious damages to turfgrasses, especially C. dactylon. In some parks, the maximum population density of this pest reached to 740 individuals/m². It is believed that this insect species should be listed as a new invasive pest in China due to its exotic and established characteristics as well as serious economic effects in the new regions. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to focus on the integrated management of newly introduced P. teterrella in order to reduce its threat to turfgrasses and gardening landscapes in China.

Key words: Parapediasia teterrella, lawn, invasive pest, morphology, molecular identification, new record, Cynodon dactylon