Lygocoris pabulinus

Description

The prothorax of those species is smooth, and the whole upper surface is usually green.

Ecology

Lygocoris pabulinus can be found on almost all herbaceous and woody plants, especially nettles.

Habitat

They hide under fallen leaves in winter, especially under the hedge, which can be a perfect place for them to lay their eggs.

Courtship and sexual attraction

The males of the species vibrate their abdomen while courting. The females legs either carry a close-range sex pheromone or it is accumulated on the legs because of the grooming behavior. The extract of the legs contains a few of hydrocarbons including n-alkenes, n-alkanes, and some methylalkanes. The female also extracts pentacosene, while male extracts heptacosene. The females have elicited similar to males responses, which means that the pheromone is living on the substrate.

Pest

They feed on leaves by leaving small brown holes in the foliage. After the damage is done, the species leave, leaving the flowers open lop sided. The species can damage fruits as well, by leaving bumps on them. When they drink the sap, they inject their poisonous salivary juices, which can cause buds, leaves and fruit distortions.

References

References

1. (August 29, 2013). "Lygocoris (Lygocoris) pabulinus (Linnaeus 1761)". [[Fauna Europaea]].
2. "Description, distribution and ecology". British Bugs.
3. Females lay their [[egg (biology). eggs]] in the [[fruit tree]]s [[leaf. leaves]]. When the eggs hatch in [[Spring (season). spring]], they start feeding on [[gooseberry. gooseberries]], [[basswood]], [[potato]]es, and other [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s. They also can be found in the [[green house]]s sucking on [[Bell pepper
4. F. P. Drijfhout and A. T. Groot. (2001). "Close-range attraction in Lygocoris pabulinus (L.).". Mendeley.com.