Can Vibrational Playback Improve Control of an Invasive Stink Bug?

Abstract

Improved understanding of the function of insect vibrational signals has spurred development of a vibrational method for mass-trapping the brown marmorated stink bug, which is currently one of the most notorious invasive insect pests. We outline the ongoing research program, which started with the basic description of close-range sexual behaviour that is mediated by vibrational signals, and continued with testing of a promising female vibrational signal that proved to be considerably attractive to males in playback trials. On this basis, a bi-modal trap was constructed, comprising an aggregation pheromone dispenser, the vibrational signal playback and a device for electrocuting the attracted animals in a pyramid trap design. Preliminary field trial results are discussed in the context of the interplay between chemical and vibrational modalities during reproductive behaviour in stink bugs, and the potential for achieving environmentally friendlier control of this pest.