Seasonal body weight, lipid content, and impact of starvation and water stress on adult survivorship and longevity of <i>Nezara viridula</i> and <i>Euschistus heros</i>

Abstract

Abstract Fresh and dry body weights (FW, DW) were greater for adult southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) than for the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros F. throughout the year in southern Brazil. Females N. viridula significantly increased FW and DW in late summer‐early autumn, and during mid‐spring; female E. heros did not show the same rates of increase in FW and DW. Female N. viridula were heavier than males, particularly during summer; however, female and male E. heros were generally similar in weight. E. heros contained significantly greater amounts of lipid than N. viridula , during mid‐autumn to early‐spring (April‐September). Survivorship (%) and total longevity of E. heros adults provided water only was greater (34.6–24.6 days, for females and males) than that for N. viridula (14.8–13.0 days); without water and food, longevity was drastically reduced (&lt;7 days) for both species.