Assessing the role of Dermaptera as generalist predators of Halyomorpha halys eggs.

Author(s)
Lorenzo Austeri
Date Issued
2026
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is one of the most damaging invasive pests affecting agricultural systems in Italy, particularly hazelnut orchards in central regions. Current biological control efforts mainly focus on egg parasitoids, while the contribution of generalist predators remains poorly investigated. Dermaptera (earwigs) are a group of omnivorous insects widely distributed in Italian agroecosystems, with approximately 27 known species, some of which (e.g. Forficula auricularia) are recognized as generalist predators and considered beneficial in other cropping systems. Despite their abundance, the role of generalist predators in regulating H. halys populations remains largely overlooked. Laboratory studies on other pentatomid species have shown that Dermaptera can prey on eggs; however, their potential role against H. halys has not been evaluated for native Italian species. This study aims to assess, under controlled laboratory conditions, the ability of Dermaptera species occurring in the Lazio region (Central Italy) to prey upon H. halys eggs. Adult individuals will be collected in agricultural and semi-natural habitats and identified at species level. No-choice laboratory bioassays will be conducted by exposing individual predators to egg masses of H. halys (<48 h old) for a fixed period. Egg predation and damage will be recorded and compared with control treatments without predators. Overall, we will assess the predatory impact of Dermaptera on H. halys eggs by measuring predation rate, egg damage typology, and interspecific differences. Similar approaches adopted in South American agroecosystems (Virla et al.) have shown that omnivorous predators may significantly contribute to egg mortality of pentatomid pests. The results of this study are expected to provide the first experimental evidence of the predatory capacity of native Dermaptera on H. halys eggs in Italy, contributing to a better understanding of the role of generalist predators within integrated and conservation biological control strategies.
Handle
Conference(s)
SEEDS OF INNOVATION PHD RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM