This study examined diel effects on movement and startle (anti-predator) response behaviour of Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae). Diel effects on between plant movement of D. hesperus was determined by placing starved females in cages with tomato plants in a 9 plant grid. Movement of females off of the center plant was checked at the end of each 16 h light or 8 h dark period. Diel effects on startle response behaviour of D. hesperus was examined by touching females with a paintbrush and recording the response under zero, low or high light intensities at 2:00, 8:00 and 14:00 h respectively. Females moved between plants more often during the day, than the night. Females responded by flying or running away at a greater rate during the day than during the night. At night, D. hesperus females are not easily disturbed as they search and consume prey, while during the day, females move between plants and are more easily disturbed into flying or running away.
Species 1: Heteroptera Miridae Dicyphus hesperus
Keywords: omnivore, biological control
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