Discovery and Distribution of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in Northeast Georgia

Abstract

In October 2009, large aggregations of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) were discovered on outside, perimeter walls of houses in northeast Georgia, prompting homeowners to contact county Extension agents and pest management professionals to learn more about the insect and to rid the premises of the nuisance. The insect was flying from nearby patches of kudzu (Pueraria spp.) onto houses, presumably in an attempt to locate overwintering sites. In its native Asia, one of its preferred hosts is kudzu, an invasive, leguminous vine that now grows throughout the southeastern U.S. Before discovery in Georgia, M. cribraria was unknown from the New World. In addition to its emergence as a nuisance pest, M. cribraria has been reported as a pest of numerous legume crops in Asia, including soybean, Glycine max Merrill. As of August 9, 2010, M. cribraria was known from 48 counties in northeast Georgia and 13 counties in northwest South Carolina. In late June and early July 2010, M. cribraria was found on soybeans in 20 of the 48 Georgia counties and five counties in South Carolina.

Development of a Portable Electronic Sensor for Detection of the Kudzu Bug, <i>Megacopta cribraria</i> (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae)

“…Megacopta cribraria was first identified as a nuisance pest, emerging from nearby kudzu patches to aggregate on homes while looking for a place to overwinter, but it was later found infesting soybeans Glycine max (L.) Merr. [3]. In 2010, untreated G. max fields saw an average reduction in crop yield of 19 percent [4].…”

“…Currently, the recommended sampling methods for this type of pest are sweep-net sampling and canopy observation [10]. However, because kudzu bugs are small (4 -6 mm anterior to posterior), G. max produces no visible injury during at least a few days after feeding [3], and monitoring can be difficult. Furthermore, species of Megacopta form mating aggregations [11].…”

“…Furthermore, species of Megacopta form mating aggregations [11]. They tend to congregate with the highest concentrations on the outside rows with fewer infested plants throughout the fields [3].…”

“…The M. cribraria releases odors when disturbed [3]. Although the pheromones of the M. cribraria have been flagged as an important area of research, little is known about these pheromones [12].…”

Confirmed Distribution and Occurrence of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in the Southeastern United States

“…The kudzu bug or bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae), was found in the United States initially in northeastern Georgia in October 2009 (Eger et al 2010;Suiter et al 2010b). Since then it has rapidly spread through Georgia and into Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Delaware, Virginia, Arkansas, Maryland, Florida, and the District of Columbia (Suiter et al 2010a,b;Roberts 2011;Medal et al 2013a;Gardner 2014).…”