Bacteria in the gut of southern green stink bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Laboratory studies with the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), indicated the presence of bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae (Schroeter) and Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes & Horder) in the crop/stomach (ventriculus 1-3; V1-V3), and possibly Pantoea sp. in the gastric caeca (ventriculus 4; V4). Culturable bacteria were most abundant in V1-V3, and their abundance was drastically reduced in V4. The variable pH in the gut did not affect the presence of bacteria. Elimination of bacteria from the gut, by using the antibiotic kanamicin, did not affect nymphal developmental time or cause mortality, but it did cause reduced weight at adult emergence. © 2006 Entomological Society of America.