Studies on <i>Lygus pratensis</i>’ (Hemiptera: Miridae) Flight Ability

Abstract

Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus) is an important agricultural pest with a strong ability to move and spread between hosts. However, L. pratensis’ flight potential and factors affecting its flight ability are unclear. We used the insect flight information system (flight mill) to determine the effects of temperature, humidity, age, sex, and mating on L. pratensis’ flight ability in an artificial climate chamber. Temperature and relative humidity significantly affected L. pratensis’ flight ability; however, low and high temperature, as well as low humidity, were unsuitable, and the optimal flight environment was 20–28 °C and 60–75% RH. Lygus pratensis’ flying ability initially increased and then decreased with age and was highest at 10 days old (flight rate: 71.43%; total flight distance: 18.63 ± 1.89 km; total flight time: 6.84 ± 0.60 h). At 15 days old, flight speed was the highest (3.36 ± 0.18 km h−1). Sex had little effect on L. pratensis’ flying ability; it was marginally stronger for females than males, but the difference was insignificant. Mating increased female flying ability but decreased that of males, but the difference was insignificant. Overall, L. pratensis had strong flight dispersal ability, was largely unaffected by sex and mating, and optimal flight conditions were mild temperature and humidity. This knowledge provides a scientific basis for L. pratensis outbreak prediction, prevention, and control.

Keywords

• mirid bug
• flight capacity
• environmental
• individual development
• flight milling