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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #160335
Title: TEMPORAL OCCURRENCE OF PODISUS MACULIVENTRIS (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE)IN NORTH FLORIDA

Author
item Herrick, Nathan
item Reitz, Stuart

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2004
Publication Date: 12/1/2004
Citation: Herrick, N.J., Reitz, S.R. 2004. Temporal occurrence of Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)in North Florida. Florida Entomologist. 87: 587-590.

Interpretive Summary: Insect predators can provide significant levels of natural control of agricultural pests. A better understanding of the population dynamics of these insects will allow them to be integrated into management programs more effectively. Research conducted by USDA, ARS scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology has shown that populations of the predator Podisus maculiventris peak in May followed by another peak in June. These results indicate that P. maculiventris produces several generations per year in northern Florida and is abundant enough to inflict significant mortality on pests, such as Lepidoptera larvae.

Technical Abstract: In northern Florida, P. maculiventris begin overwintering in October-November and emerge in March-April. The data indicate that P. maculiventris has a bimodal phenology, with peak abundance in May and a second less prominent peak in June. Comparisons of trap collections in northern Florida and central New York suggest little deviation in adult seasonal activity of P. maculiventris between the northeastern and southeastern USA.