D3228: Assessing overwintering survival and range dynamics of redbanded stink bug

The non-native redbanded stink bug (RBSB), Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), first was considered as an economically important pest of soybean in Louisiana in 2002. Drivers of interannual fluctuations in the distribution of RBSB populations are poorly understood, but such fluctuations may depend on the cold tolerance of overwintering RBSB. Redbanded stink bug is believed to overwinter in a variety of habitat types, and thus variation in overwintering microclimates arising from ground cover type could affect overwintering success. Using geospatial analysis of climate data and occurrences of RBSB across the southeast over the past two decades, our project aims to develop a species distribution model for RBSB and determine the effects of intra- and inter-annual climate patterns on the occurrence of RBSB, Additionally, we will investigate potential influences of ground cover types on RBSB overwintering survival. We ultimately hope to (i) develop a predictive model for RBSB and (ii) understand how potential overwintering sites adjacent to agricultural fields govern overwintering success of RBSB.