Expansion of geographical range and plant associations of Leptoglossus clypealis: a potential invasive pest of sorghum along the Texas Gulf Coast

Authors: Esquivel, Jesus; GLOVER, J - University Of Florida; BREWER, M - Texas A&M Agrilife; HELMS, A - Texas A&M University; REE, W - Retired Non ARS Employee; SHIRLEY, X - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), National Wildlife Center; Bell, Alois - Al

Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2020
Publication Date: 3/25/2020
Citation: Esquivel, J.F., Glover, J.P., Brewer, M.J., Helms, A.M., Ree, W.O., Shirley, X.A., Bell, A.A. 2020. Expansion of geographical range and plant associations of Leptoglossus clypealis: A potential invasive pest of sorghum along the Texas Gulf Coast. Southwestern Entomologist. 45(1):1-16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3958/059.045.0101

Interpretive Summary: This report describes the unexpected occurrence of a leaffooted bug species, Leptoglossus clypealis, in the Coastal Bend production area of Texas. Specimens were collected from sorghum fields in Nueces County, Texas, which represents a new geographic expansion and host plant for this leaffooted bug species in Texas. Based on review of the literature, the species has been reported on 44 different plant species within 20 plant families, but prefers plants in the juniper family, followed by a preference for plants in the rose family. While more research is needed to determine the occurrence of this leaffooted bug species in the region over space and time, this report should help increase awareness about an invasive pest that could potentially threaten sorghum production along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Technical Abstract: Hemipteran insects affecting food and feed safety continue to plague producers of row crops. We here report on the occurrence of an invasive hemipteran pest species in the Coastal Bend of Texas. Leptoglossus clypealis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae) was collected from soft dough stage sorghum in Nueces County, Texas. This represents a new geographic expansion of L. clypealis in Texas, and sorghum represents a new host plant association for the species. A comprehensive summary of associated host plants is also presented, describing 44 plant associations within 20 plant families for L. clypealis. The species demonstrates an affinity for the Cupressaceae (i.e., 27.27% of occurrences), followed by Rosaceae. While additional research is needed to further elucidate the spatiotemporal presence of L. clypealis in the region, the impetus for this report is to increase awareness regarding this invasive pest that may injure sorghum along the Texas Gulf Coast.