Neotropical Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus Heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

This is a Neotropical pentatomid occurring in South America and possibly in Panama. Most reports refer to its distribution in Brazil where it is a major component of the pentatomid-pest complex on soybean. Initially considered a secondary pest, Euschistus heros more recently has increased in numbers and may inflict severe damage to soybean.

Beyond soybean, this insect feeds on several other plants in Brazil, including species of Leguminosae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, and Compositae. Even though it is polyphagous and, therefore, able to colonize alternate hosts during the mild winter of northern Paraná state, E. heroswas found to overwinter underneath dead leaves in this area. This bug is known to accumulate lipids during overwintering that allow survivorship during non-feeding periods, and to break dormancy with the start of favorable weather conditions. During summer, with the availability of the great number of weeds associated with the soybean crop, this bug feeds on some weeds,...