Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 71–74

True bug community on strawberry fields of Latvia

Abstract

Sweep netting and pitfall trapping were used to collect plant bugs in strawberry fields. The plant bug fauna (Heteroptera) of strawberries in Latvia was represented by 21 species from seven families (Miridae, Lygaeidae, Rhopalidae, Berytidae, Pentatomidae, Anthocoridae, Nabidae). In total, 92.7 % of all collected species were phytophagous bugs. Miridae with 11 species was the biggest phytophagous family with the greatest species richness. The most abundant and widespread species on strawberry plantings were Lygus rugulipennis (47.3% of all Miridae species), Plagiognathus chrysanthemi (26.6%), Lygus pratensis (7.5%) and Orthotylus flavosparsus (6.8%). Species from the families Lygaeidae, Rhopalidae, Berytidae and Pentatomidae were collected in relatively small numbers. The zoophagous bugs were represented by two families, Anthocoridae and Nabidae, and by five species (Anthocoris nemorum, Orius niger, Nabis ferus, N. pseudoferus, N. flavomarginatus). The predatory bug Orius niger was the dominant zoophagous species (73.3% of all zoophagous species).