Susceptibility of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) eggs to different life stages of three generalist predators

Abstract

AbstractThe invasive stink bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has recently become established in Canada, but little information is available regarding the ability of natural enemies to attack this pest in its invaded range. We tested the capacity of several life stages of three generalist predators, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Coleomegilla maculata De Geer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), to attack H. halys eggs. The relative susceptibility of H. halys eggs to predator attack was compared to P. maculiventris eggs. We found evidence for differential ability to consume H. halys and P. maculiventris eggs both among predator species and within species among life stages. The most H. halys eggs were consumed by late-instar C. carnea, while fewest were consumed by second-instar and adult C. maculata, and second-instar C. carnea. The susceptibility of H. halys eggs to predators was similar to that of P. maculiventris eggs, with only early-instar P. maculiventris nymphs consuming significantly less H. halys eggs than P. maculiventris eggs. Our results provide a baseline for further testing of generalist predators against H. halys and illustrate the potential importance of considering the breadth of ontogeny across which candidates are able to attack the invasive pest.