Development, reproduction, host range and geographical distribution of the variegated caper bug Stenozygum coloratum (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Tams, 1924 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae). In this study various aspects of the life history of CB were studied, including its distribution, host range, development, reproduction and ability to develop on various cultivated species of plants. CB occurs in almost all areas and habitats in Israel, except in the coldest regions, attacking several caper species (Capparis spp.). When reared on Capparis zoharyi at 25°C, one generation lasted 6 weeks and females laid a single 12-egg cluster every 3 days. Decreases in temperature, but not changes in day length, terminated reproductive activity. CB nymphs survived for up to three months, or even completed their development, on some agricultural plants. However, reproductive activity was initiated only if adults were fed capers. These findings emphasize the importance of capers in the CB life cycle and account for why other plants are rarely attacked. These plants may serve as a temporary refuge for CB when capers are scarce or unsuitable, mainly late in the season. Morphology of developmental stages, egg deposition, cannibalistic behaviour, sex ratio and effects of temperature on egg production were also studied. The possibility of using CB for enhancing the biological control of PPM is discussed.

Spatial distribution and niche partitioning in the Ooencyrtus spp. complex parasitizing the eggs of Stenozygum coloratum

“…associated with the variegated caper bug (CB) Stenozygum coloratum Klug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). The CB is common in the east Mediterranean region, and was found on several caper species (Capparis spp., Capparaceae) in various areas in Israel and southern Turkey (Samra et al 2015). The CB is also known as a minor pest of various agricultural species (Bodenheimer 1930).…”

“…The CB is also known as a minor pest of various agricultural species (Bodenheimer 1930). However, the overall damage caused by this bug is usually low (Samra et al 2015;Swirski et al 2002), probably because of its inability to reproduce on these agricultural plants (Samra et al 2015), therefore, hitherto, this bug did not draw much attention. However, this lack of interest recently changed when it was discovered that the eggs of CB are parasitized by several closely related Ooencyrtus spp.…”

“…The CB seems to be a common host for this parasitoid group in the East Mediterranean region, and may be important for their conservation in the area. It may be especially important for O. pityocampae, because the eggs of its main host, the PPM, are found only from late summer to early winter (Halperin 1990a), whereas those of CB are laid from April through September (Samra et al 2014). Thus, seasonal alternation between these two hosts is likely to occur (Samra et al 2014).…”

“…It may be especially important for O. pityocampae, because the eggs of its main host, the PPM, are found only from late summer to early winter (Halperin 1990a), whereas those of CB are laid from April through September (Samra et al 2014). Thus, seasonal alternation between these two hosts is likely to occur (Samra et al 2014). This knowledge led us to consider using this bug population for biological control against PPM and other pest species.…”

Tendency and consequences of superparasitism for the parasitoid Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in parasitizing a new laboratory host, Philosamia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

“…Ten species of Ooencyrtus are used in biological control programs (Noyes & Hayat, 1984;Huang & Noyes, 1994). Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the most effective parasitoid of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) and is used in inundative biocontrol programs aimed at controlling this forest pest (Battisti et al, 1990;Masutti et al, 1993;Tiberi et al,1994;Zhang et al, 2005;Binazzi et al, 2013;Samra et al, 2015).…”