Selectivity of Insecticides to the Spined Soldier Bug (Heteroptera: Pentatornidae) and Its Lepidopterous Prey

Abstract

This study determined toxicities of 13 insecticides representing three classes to a prey-predator complex consisting of spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris (Say)) and its lepidopterous prey, velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner)), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)), and corn earworm (Heliothis zea (Boddie)). The stink bug was generally more susceptible to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides but was more tolerant of pyrethroids such as permethrin, cypermethrin, and fenvalerate compared with its prey. The organophosphate tetrachlorvinphos had no apparent toxicity to the stink bug at concentrations ≤100 µg per insect but was very toxic to some of the prey. Reasons for the selective toxicities are suggested and discussed.

Insecta, selective toxicity, Podisus maculiventris, prey species