Diurnal and nocturnal activities of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in a Pennsylvania orchard

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest in a variety of orchard, and field, crops across the United States.  While so far little is understood about BMSB biology and behavior, new studies are being conducted to help develop effective management programs to reduce the negative impact of this pest on various crops.  Field studies of adult and nymphal behavior were conducted in fruit orchards located at the Pennsylvania State University Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville, Pennsylvania.  Diurnal and nocturnal behaviors of BMSB adults and nymphs were studied in mesh rearing sleeves placed on tree limbs of various apple, peach and nectarine cultivars.  Basic daily insect activities such as feeding, moving and resting were recorded.  Filed observations were conducted from May until August during two consecutive growing seasons.  Stink bug behaviors were observed at multiple time intervals over a 24-hour period.  While no differences in BMSB activities were observed among evaluated crops, the results from the two-year studies documented differences in prevailing behaviors between adults and nymphs and the effect of time period on levels of various behaviors.  The results of our observations should be useful for the development of future BMSB specific management practices.