A survey was conducted in the Lower Gulf Coast region of Texas to determine the stink bug species composition in cotton. Results indicate the cotton-inhabiting stink bug complex in the Lower Gulf Coast Region of Texas to be different than that of other states. Preliminary data show Euschistus quadrator (Rolston) and Nezara viridula (L.) to be the dominant species in the southern-most counties sampled. Euschistus servus (Say) were the dominant species present in the northern counties sampled, but there were also populations of E. quadrator and N. viridula. Euschistus quadrator and E. servus were found throughout all stages of bloom, but N. viridula was not present until late bloom.

A cage study was conducted to determine if E. quadrator, E. servus, and/or N. viridula cause similar boll damage and prefer bolls of similar size. Euschistus quadrator caused damage similar to that of E. servus and N. viridula and all three species favored small- to medium-sized bolls.

The insecticide efficacy results indicated dicrotophos (0.5 aia), lambda-cyhalothrin (0.0325 aia) and oxamyl (0.3299 aia) have the potential of providing excellent control of E. quadrator.