Behavioural responses of diapausing Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to conspecific volatile organic compounds

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest in America, Europe and Asia causes serious economic loss to crops, nuisance problems during overwintering. Uninvaded southern hemisphere countries, such as New Zealand Australia, see increase H. border interceptions the northern populations’ overwintering period large aggregations of can settle diapause items for export, e.g. vehicles, containers, etc. Here, we explored aspects diapausing behaviour relative release perception defensive odour compounds. First, determine whether group size agitation affect odours, were confined glass tubes individuals or varying sizes mechanically agitated remained stationary presence absence odours was recorded. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, also established if exposure individual components (tridecane, (E)-2-decenal, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, dodecane) induced Additionally, dispersal measured laboratory following their natural blend. We found that agitating bugs did not induce odours. human-detectable only groups halys, whereas non-agitated emit odour. Exposure 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal component resulted releasing Diapausing blend compounds increased horizontal distance moved velocity, while tridecane moved, velocity angular (E)-2-decenal moved. Our behavioural chemical data suggest released by act alarm pheromone, particularly when adults are aggregations.