Cannibalism in the brown marmorated stink bug (Pentatomidae: Halyomorpha halys)? Quantifying the impact of early instar nymphs

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) has proven itself to be an unprecedented economic pest in U.S. agriculture as well as a great nuisance in people's homes. This species is highly polyphagous, with a diverse host range including: apples, grapes, field corn, sweet corn, and soybean. In addition to causing crop damage in the Eastern U.S., BMSB was first documented in Minnesota in 2010. To develop improved integrated pest management (IPM) programs for BMSB, a greater understanding of the fundamental biology and ecology of this species is necessary. While developing rearing methods for the bug, nymphs were observed cannibalizing both egg masses and other nymphs in a laboratory-reared colony. This behavior in herbivorous species of pentatomids has received little attention in the literature and could have significant effects on population size in lab colonies and potentially in field settings. The goal of this study was to document and quantify the cannibalistic behavior of the BMSB.  A series of experiments were conducted to test the rates of cannibalism of early instar nymphs on eggs in a no-choice setting. Results of the studies comparing various exposure times, and nymphal densities will be presented. The findings from these experiments will contribute to an improved BMSB rearing protocol and to a better understanding of the ecology and adaptability of this pentatomid. These results will also assist with the development of a more comprehensive IPM strategy to manage this species as it continues to expand its range.