First report of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) damaging teak trees (Tectona grandis) in the neotropics

Abstract

Teak, Tectona grandis is one of the most valuable woods in the world. In Brazil, it is attacked by sap-sucking insects such as Euschistus heros, known as Neotropical brown stink bug. Here we report the first occurrence of this pest in teak tree plantations in Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The injuries on the trees were characterized and photographed, along with the insects collected on plants. Injuries caused the apical bud to dry, advancing to the entire plant drying. Injuries occur from the histological damage caused by insect stylets and the toxic enzyme released into plant cells.