Geocoris punctipes (Say,1832) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) is a common generalist predator in the Pacific Northwest, where it is frequently observed feeding on both the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight, 1917 (Hemiptera: Miridae). Seasonal changes in predator physiology, particularly after hibernal diapause, may alter feeding behavior and the relative ability to subdue different prey. We compared the predation by spring (post-diapause) and summer populations of adult female G. punctipes on 3rd-instar nymphs of M. persicae and 2nd-instar nymphs of L. hesperus under no-choice and choice conditions and evaluated prey velocity as a potential driver of apparent preference. In no-choice assays, G. punctipes consumed significantly more aphids than Lygus nymphs. When offered both prey simultaneously, G. punctipes exhibited a strong preference for aphids in both seasonal populations, although the strength of preference was higher in spring than in summer. Aphids were approximately four times slower than Lygus nymphs in sprint tests, suggesting reduced velocity contributes to their greater vulnerability to predation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that G. punctipes adults consistently prefer aphids to Lygus nymphs and that this preference may be influenced by predator seasonal physiology. These findings underscore the role of G. punctipes as a beneficial predator and highlight the need to consider seasonal factors when evaluating biological control potential in integrated pest management programs.
Meleoma hirabayashi n. sp. is described, bringing the number of valid species in the New World genus Meleoma Fitch, 1855 to 28. Although the new species closely resembles and co-occurs with Meleoma furcata (Banks, 1911), it is distinguished by a dark-green body color, unique modifications of the male frons, genitalic and larval features, as well as a coniferous habitat. Part of the type series of the new species was collected at Hirabayashi Campground on Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona. Thus, we name the species in honor of Japanese-American Gordon K. Hirabayashi (1918–2012), who resisted internment during World War II in defense of his and others' civil rights as citizens of the United States of America.
Two new species of the genus Coraebus Gory & Laporte, 1839 from China are described and illustrated: Coraebus lisu sp. nov. from Yunnan, and Coraebus audobliquus sp. nov. from Sichuan. Coraebus obscurus Peng, 1991 stat. rest. is removed from synonymy under Coraebus quadriundulatus Motschulsky, 1866 and reinstated as a valid species.
From 2018 to 2021, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) conducted surveys for Agonum belleri (Hatch, 1933) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Eanus hatchi Lane, 1938 (Coleoptera: Elateridae). These beetles are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need by WDFW because in Washington both were formerly known from only a few sphagnum wetlands. The survey succeeded in detecting 22 new or previously unpublished sites for A. belleri and one new site for E. hatchi, expanding the ranges for both species as well as finding A. belleri on the Olympic Peninsula, a region from which it was previously undocumented. In addition, the continued existence of each species was verified at one site from which both were previously recorded, as well as three additional prior sites for A. belleri. These results demonstrate the value of such surveys.
