Formation of aggregations in adults of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae): The role of antennae in short-range locations

Abstract

We examined whether stimuli among one another are involved in the short-range locations of the Halyomorpha halys adult, which often forms aggregations when overwintering. Ten diapausing adults were released into a clear container at 10°C. After a certain time period, their distribution was compared with a random distribution, and a tendency for a strong concentrated distribution with crowding was observed under both light and dark conditions. However, antennectomy prevented bugs from aggregating and this clarified the role of antenna in short-range locations. This finding suggests that overwintering aggregation in H. halys is guided by a chemical or tactile interaction among individuals, at least within a narrow range. In addition, the relationship between this aggregation habit and temperature was examined. Although temperatures of 15°C and 20°C caused bugs to become active, the habit of settling close to one another was not reduced. Based on these results, we inferred that the aggregation habit of H. halys adults itself is not temperature dependent, and that the overwintering aggregation is caused by an increase in opportunity for contact with each other, such as from a mutual preference for the overwintering environment, and a decrease in behavioral activity resulting from a decrease in temperature.

Photo-response of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), and its role in the hiding behavior

“…It is probable that the attraction to darkness, which is a response to light and/or color, also assists in the formation of overwintering aggregations. It is helpful to divide the process of overwintering aggregate formation into two phases, long-range orientation and shortrange location (Toyama 2006). A previous study focusing on the latter phase indicated that interactions mediated by antennae play an important role in the final choice of the overwintering location (Toyama 2006).…”

“…It is helpful to divide the process of overwintering aggregate formation into two phases, long-range orientation and shortrange location (Toyama 2006). A previous study focusing on the latter phase indicated that interactions mediated by antennae play an important role in the final choice of the overwintering location (Toyama 2006). However, our observations also suggest that these interactions are limited to a very short range and probably function as arresting stimuli rather than attractants, and that there is some other mechanism responsible for assembling bugs in the same place and enhancing contacts among them, even during the process of short-range location.…”

Review of the Biology, Ecology, and Management ofHalyomorpha halys(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea

“…Aggregations of adults are found in dark locations in overwintering sites and, once settled, the individuals are unlikely to leave (Toyama et al 2011) unless stored nutrients in the fat body are depleted (Funayama 2012b). Toyama et al (2006) suggested that aggregations were the result of adults responding to tactile and/or olfactory cues, but not visual cues. H. halys are commonly found overwintering in human-made structures (Kobayashi and Kimura 1969, Yanagi and Hagihara 1980, Watanabe et al 1994c, Funayama 2003.…”

Seasonal Phenology and Monitoring of the Non-Native <I>Halyomorpha halys</I> (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Soybean

“…halys is native to Asia where it is an occasional pest of legumes (including soybeans), tree fruits, and many ornamentals (Kobayashi et al 1972, Funayama 1996, Choi et al 2000, Toyama et al 2006. Since establishing in the United States, H. halys has attacked these crops and has caused economic losses in apples and pears in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (Nielsen and Hamilton 2009b).…”