Discovery and Distribution of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in Northeast Georgia

In October 2009, large aggregations of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) were discovered on outside, perimeter walls of houses in northeast Georgia, prompting homeowners to contact county Extension agents and pest management professionals to learn more about the insect and to rid the premises of the nuisance. The insect was flying from nearby patches of kudzu (Pueraria spp.) onto houses, presumably in an attempt to locate overwintering sites. In its native Asia, one of its preferred hosts is kudzu, an invasive, leguminous vine that now grows throughout the southeastern U.S. Before discovery in Georgia, M. cribraria was unknown from the New World. In addition to its emergence as a nuisance pest, M. cribraria has been reported as a pest of numerous legume crops in Asia, including soybean, Glycine max Merrill. As of August 9, 2010, M. cribraria was known from 48 counties in northeast Georgia and 13 counties in northwest South Carolina. In late June and early July 2010, M. cribraria was found on soybeans in 20 of the 48 Georgia counties and five counties in South Carolina.