Low-Temperature-Induced Winter Dormancy in a Predatory Stink Bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) in the Subtropics

Abstract

Insects have developed dormancy mechanisms to survive coldness in winters. The specific forms of winter dormancy, however, vary among different geographical and climatic zones and species. While there is extensive research on winter dormancy in insect pests and parasitoids in temperate zones, our understanding of how predatory insects, such as predatory stink bugs in subtropical regions, cope with cold winters and the specific forms of dormancy they undergo remains limited. The effects of winter temperatures on the population dynamics, development, and reproduction of the predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata in the subtropics were investigated through greenhouse and laboratory experiments. E. furcellata exhibits two distinct peaks in population distribution throughout the year: one in April–May and another in October–November. Interestingly, the proportions of adults show an opposite pattern to the population dynamics, with the highest proportions of adults observed during the winter and summer seasons, when temperatures are the lowest and the highest, respectively. Laboratory studies showed that E. furcellata reared at lower temperatures (16 °C, 18 °C, and 20 °C) experienced prolonged development and higher mortality rates for eggs and nymphs compared to higher temperatures (22 °C and 26 °C). Further experiments observed that E. furcellata adults reared at 16 °C, 18 °C, and 20 °C entered into winter dormancy, where ovarian development was either completely halted or slowed down. The observed high proportion of E. furcellata adults and low proportion of nymphs during the cold winter months align well with the dormancy period. This study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms driving the population dynamics of E. furcellata during the subtropical winter. These findings have significant implications in accurately predicting the population dynamics of E. furcellata, implementing effective field release strategies, and optimizing cold storage techniques in the context of biological control programs.