Common Green Capsid
Lat. “Lygocoris pabulinus“ species
of family
“Plant Bugs“ 1 species
The species described in the article is characterized by a smooth prothorax and a green upper surface. They can be found on various herbaceous and woody plants, with females laying eggs in fruit tree leaves. The nymphs are wingless and feed on fruits and vegetables, while adults can fly between different food sources and also prey on aphids, caterpillars, and mites. During courtship, males vibrate their abdomen while females carry or accumulate a sex pheromone on their legs. The species can be considered a pest as they feed on leaves, leaving holes and damaging fruits, injecting toxic saliva in the process.
Description
The prothorax of those species is smooth with the whole upper surface is usually green.
Ecology
Can be found on almost all herbaceous and woody plants, especially nettles. Females lay their eggs in the fruit trees leaves. When the eggs hatch in spring, they start feeding on gooseberries, basswood, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. They also can be found in the green houses sucking on peppers. The nymphs of the species are yellowish-green coloured, and are wingless. The adult species can fly from fruit to fruit. Aside from feeding on various crops, they also feed on aphids, caterpillars, and mites.
Habitat
They hide under fallen leaves in winter, especially under the hedge, which can be a perfect place for them to lay their eggs.
Courtship and sexual attraction
The males of the species vibrate their abdomen while courting. The females legs either carry a close-range sex pheromone or it is accumulated on the legs because of the grooming behavior. The extract of the legs contains a few of hydrocarbons including n-alkenes, n-alkanes, and some methylalkanes. The female also extracts pentacosene, while male extracts heptacosene. The females have elicited similar to males responses, which means that the pheromone is living on the substrate.
Pest
They feed on leaves by leaving small brown holes in the foliage. After the damage is done, the species leave, leaving the flowers open lop sided. The species can damage fruits as well, by leaving bumps on them. When they drink the sap, they inject their poisonous salivary juices, which can cause buds, leaves and fruit distortions.
