ARS | Publication request: Big-Eyed Bugs Have Big Appetite for Pests

Submitted to: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: August 8, 2011
Publication Date: August 8, 2011
Citation: Asiimwe, P., Brown, L., Vandervoet, T., Ellsworth, P., Naranjo, S.E. 2011. Big-Eyed Bugs Have Big Appetite for Pests. Field Crop IPM Shorts, Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona, Tucson Extension Fact Sheets. 08/2011.

Interpretive Summary: Many kinds of arthropod natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) inhabit crop fields in Arizona and can have a large negative impact on several pest insect species that also infest these crops. Geocoris spp., commonly known as big-eyed bugs, are among the most abundant insect predators in field crops throughout the U.S. and are very common in Arizona cotton fields. These active predators feed on a wide range of prey, including whiteflies, plant bugs, thrips, mites, small caterpillars and a variety of insect eggs. This extension circular summarizes some of the biology and ecology of these predators and emphasizes the benefits they can provide in pest control. Producers are encouraged to use selective insecticides for controlling pests if insecticides are required. This will conserve important predators like big-eyed bugs and many other beneficial species.

Technical Abstract: Many kinds of arthropod natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) inhabit crop fields in Arizona and can have a large negative impact on several pest insect species that also infest these crops. Geocoris spp., commonly known as big-eyed bugs, are among the most abundant insect predators in field crops throughout the U.S. and are very common in Arizona cotton fields. These active predators feed on a wide range of prey, including whiteflies, plant bugs, thrips, mites, small caterpillars and a variety of insect eggs. This extension circular summarizes some of the biology and ecology of these predators and emphasizes the benefits they can provide in pest control. Producers are encouraged to use selective insecticides for controlling pests if insecticides are required. This will conserve important predators like big-eyed bugs and many other beneficial species.