Modeling the influence of egg mortality on Halymorpha halys dynamics and phenology

Pentatomids, including the invasive Halymorpha halys, experience highly variable rates of egg predation and parasitism. While the geographic range of H. halys has expanded globally, so has Trissolcus japonicus, a highly effective egg parasitoid of H. halys which is now being reared and re-released within state boundaries in the U.S. In this study, we adapted our previously published agent-based modeling framework for H. halys life history and population dynamics, introduced exogeneous biotic egg mortality from field observations, and evaluated how varying rates of egg predation/parasitism influence H. halys population dynamics and phenology in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. through a simulation study. Results will improve our understanding of the influence of releasing natural enemies on H. halys population dynamics with different climatic and landscape profiles.