Preliminary survey and molecular identification of Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae)

Abstract

Big-eyed bugs Geocoris spp. are a natural enemy species presented in many parts of the world that have been extensively researched because of the benefits that they bring to plants. In Vietnam, big-eyed bugs are found in many places, especially in farming complexes or large farms. In Ho Chi Minh City, Geocoris sp. was found in Pham Van Coi Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, with bug density fluctuations across seasons at an average of 5.33 ± 2.67 individuals per point. The density of the big-eyed bug in Cu Chi District was 03 times higher than the density recorded in Ham Tan District, Binh Thuan Province. Morphological and molecular-based COI genes identified the speciments from Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ham Tan, Binh Thuan are Geocoris ochropterus. From the research results, these two sampling sites will be selected to further evaluate the rate of natural increase of the big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus.

Keywords

• big-eyed bugs
• density of the big-eyed bug
• geocoris sp.
• geocoris ochropterus
• natural enemy