Seasonal biology of two alydid sp. and their pest potential to edamame in Virginia

Broad headed bugs (family: Alydidae) are a small family of hemipterans with only three species common in Virginia. Alydus pilosulus and Alydus eurinus are the most common, and have been recorded as relatively minor pests of soybean, lima beans, and other legumes of economic importance in Virginia. Although alydids have been rarely seen as a threat to soybean as it is not sold fresh to the consumer, edible soybean, also known as edamame, may be vulnerable to them. Through choice tests and field sampling, I aim to verify the life history of Alydus pilosulus and Alydus eurinus in Virginia, as well as evaluate its potential as a pest of edamame. Findings indicate that Alydus pilosulus and Alydus eurinus prefer edamame over other legumes, and their feeding results in damage that has the potential to cause economic loss.