First record of Banasa euchlora (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Minnesota

At a combined ten miles long, Minnesota and Wisconsin Points make up the longest freshwater sand spit in the world.  Located at the mouth of the St. Louis River on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota Point is home to many rare and potentially declining habitats, including beachgrass dune, old growth pine, and juniper dune shrubland.  As such, it contains small isolated populations of rare species and has been a focal area for land preservation and several faunal studies over the last three decades.  During a recent survey of Minnesota Point for true bugs and lady beetles, one specimen, identified as Banasa euchlora Stål  (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was recovered.  There are no prior Minnesota records for this species; however, it is widespread in North America and has been found in areas adjacent to Minnesota. Although the specimen was found washed up on the lakeshore, the species’ association with junipers and the presence of Juniperus communis in the area point to a potential breeding population. Additional surveys are needed to confirm the status of B. euchlora in this area, and would thus provide further support for ongoing habitat conservation on Minnesota Point.