Re: OT(Slightly: nysius_vinitor (Rutherglen bug)


Any Aussies on here who can suggest ways to minimze their effect
after dark inside the house (despite the screens outside on the main
windows)? Many thanks
Craig
Vic 3675

For the rest of us --- what is the insect and what is its effect?


Peggy wrote:
Thanks Jill,
I am Australian and I am not shore of the question either..
More info PLEASE..
Peggy

http://www.ento.csiro.au/ecowatch/Primary/hemiptera/pages/nysius_vinitor.htm

a.. Kingdom: Animalia
b.. Phylum: Arthropoda
c.. Class: Insecta
d.. Order: Hemiptera
e.. Family: Lygaeidae
f.. Genus: Nysius
g.. Species: vinitor (Rutherglen bug)
Members of the Lygaeidae family are commonly known as seed bugs and come in
a variety of shape, size and colour. Most species have an elongate oval
shape and range from 4 to 20 millimetres in length. Most Lygaeids feed on
ripe seeds or plant sap, although some are known to be predators. Some
species are recognised as agricultural pests because they cause damage to
crops, fruit trees and other horticultural plants.

Nysius vinitor, commonly known as the Rutherglen bug occurs throughout most
of Australia, and in many agricultural areas populations can grow to plague
proportions causing damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Most adults grow to
about 5 millimetres in length and are usually a grey-brown colour. The
nymphs are smaller and reddish-brown in colour. They predominantly feed on
seeds but may also feed on the sap of new growth. The Rutherglen bug usually
breeds in the seed heads of weeds and from here they move to agricultural
crops such as fruit trees, grapes, potatoes and other vegetable crops.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2005/1329246.htm?enviro
one site suggests bats as a control
while the southern free tailed bat (Mormopterus) feasts on the destructive
Rutherglen, or seed bug (Nysius vinitor).
"Bats are beneficial to have in many farmland areas for keeping insect
numbers in check," Lumsden says.


--

regards
Jill Bowis

Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk



.