Abstract
Simple SummaryOverwintering populations of the crop pest Halyomorpha halys exhibit cannibalistic behaviour towards conspecifics. Depletion of metabolic reserves and desiccation occurring in winter can be overcome by intraspecific predation. This behaviour may be facilitated by the aggregation of individuals and the suppression of species-specific signals that prevent predation upon conspecifics.The phytophagous brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is known to exhibit cannibalistic behaviour towards eggs. Here, we provide evidence of cannibalism among overwintering H. halys adults. Since diapausing individuals have high physiological demands for surviving long periods under stressful conditions, including the risk of depletion of metabolic reserves and desiccation, we assumed that nutritional and water requirements can be met by intraspecific predation. The role of aggregative behaviour in promoting cannibalism is also discussed. Given its evolutionary advantage, this trait should be maintained over generations and may be more widespread than previously considered in species that display aggregative behaviour during adverse seasons.
Highlights
The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is native to East Asia, but has been spreading in Europe since 2004, first in Switzerland and in the rest of Europe [1,2]
Nutrient intake in diapausing adults has been previously documented in other insect species, such as the black blow fly Phormia regina, In the present study, we provide previously undocumented behaviourundergo in overwintering the mosquito
In H.Overwintering halys, it has been estimated undergo that moreathan of adults do demand for surviving long periods of stressful conditions, including depletion of metabolic not survive winter and only 14% can survive until reproduction [6]
Summary
The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is native to East Asia, but has been spreading in Europe since 2004, first in Switzerland and in the rest of Europe [1,2]. We provide evidence that supports the hypothesis of cannibalism, i.e., feeding on live conspecifics, among overwintering adults of H. halys. Overwintering populations species displaying aggregative habitsand usually have predation and has been observedof inherbivorous many animals, including protozoa, insects, birds, mammals few or no sources of food, other than dead conspecifics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
