Population dynamics, gregarious behavior and oviposition preference of Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Alydidae)

Abstract

Interactions between Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood) (Coreoidea: Heteroptera: Alydidae) and host plants were investigated including population monitoring throughout the year, gregarious behavior in the field, and oviposition preference among host plants and one non-host plant in field cages. Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., soybean, Glycine max (L.) Mill. cv. BR 37, pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill., pigeon pea cv. Anão, and lablab, Dolichos lablab L. were monitored in the field. N. parvus was found on host plants during 11 months. The shortest period of occurrence was observed on soybean and the longest on lablab. Insects were found mostly on mature pods. Contagious distribution (negative bionomial) was detected, characterizing the aggregation. Greater number of eggs were observed on pigeon pea, followed by soybean and lablab. Eggs were not found on cowpea, on common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L., and on rice, Oryza sativa L.