Light-attraction flight of the giant water bug, Lethocerus deyrolli (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), an endangered wetland insect in East Asia

Abstract

The giant water bug, Lethocerus deyrolli, is an endangered wetland insect found throughout East Asia. In 2006, the light-attraction flight of L. deyrolli was studied in Gyodong Island, Korea, using artificial light. The flight of L. deyrolli was observed from early June to late October, and two peaks in the numbers of attracted insects were noted in the middle of June and September. L. deyrolli begins to exhibit flight behaviour at a daily mean air temperature of 15°C and above, but optimal flight temperatures for the insect are between 17°C and 19°C, with a wind speed of less than approximately 1.8 m/sec and a relative humidity of around 80%. The length of daylight did not substantially influence the flight pattern. Daily flight occurred principally between 9 pm and 10:30 pm. L. deyrolli individuals attracted by the artificial light were frequently consumed by magpies or house rats. It appears most probable that artificial lights, such as street lights and tennis court lights, constitute a critical factor in the local extinction of L.deyrolli.