Megacopta cribraria (Kudzu Bug) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) is an invasive insect in the Southeast. In Baldwin County, GA, we found adult Kudzu Bugs at high abundances throughout the summer, while juveniles showed peaks in early July and September. We conducted a series of choice-preference tests and determined that the insects preferred Glycine max (Soybean) over Phaseolus lunatus (Lima Bean). Additionally, they preferred Pueraria montana var. lobata (Kudzu) over Soybeans, highlighting the role of Kudzu as a primary host plant. Additionally, Kudzu Bugs continued to feed on Soybeans, even in the presence of Kudzu.
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1 March 2015
Seasonal Dynamics and Plant Preferences of Megacopta cribraria, an Exotic Invasive Insect Species in the Southeast
Sarah M. Huskisson,
Kayla L. Fogg,
Taylor L. Upole,
Caralyn B. Zehnder
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Southeastern Naturalist
Vol. 14 • No. 1
March 2015
Vol. 14 • No. 1
March 2015