Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 388

The summary is about the alfalfa plant bug, Adelphocoris lineolatus. It provides information on synonyms, geographical distribution, habitat, external anatomy and physical characteristics, reproduction, ecological and economical damage, semiochemicals, and control techniques. The alfalfa plant bug is native to Western Europe, Northern Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and has been introduced to Canada and the United States. They thrive in humid environments with cold temperatures and primarily inhabit fields or grasslands. They cause damage to a variety of crops by feeding on their reproductive and vegetative organs, leading to stunted growth and deformation. The insects have a stronger preference for flowering crops over non-flowering crops. Their attraction to host plants is influenced by semiochemicals released by the plants. Control techniques include the use of insecticides and insect pheromones.