Adult bug, length 13 mm.
Scientific name: Agonoscelis pubescens (Thunberg)
Common name: Cluster Bug
Synonyms: Agonoscelis versicolor F.
Order: Heteroptera
Family: Pentatomidae
HOSTS:
Main hosts: Sorghum, Sesame
Alternative hosts: Cowpea, Soybean, Pigeon pea, Sunflower
IMPORTANCE IN ETHIOPIA:
Minor pest of: Sorghum, Sesame
DAMAGE:
Adult and immature bugs feed on the heads of sorghum. In pulses, the feeding results in pod damage and discoloration.
INSECT BIOLOGY & RECOGNITION:
Egg: The whitish or creamy eggs are barrel shaped. They are laid on the leaves or other parts of the plant in groups of about 30. They hatch after 3 5 days.
Nymph: The nymphs resemble the adults, but they are wingless. There are 5 nymphal instars. The nymphal period takes 3 4 weeks.
Adult: The adults are shield shaped bugs. They are up to 14 mm long and 7 mm wide. The upper side has a straw yellow to reddish brown colour with many brown punctures. The underside is yellowish brown with black spiracles. The black antennae are 5 segmented. The legs are yellowish brown. The fore wings have a thickened basal part which is bright red on the underside. The top of the fore wing is membranous with black veins. These insects are usually found feeding in groups.
CONTROL:
Usually no control is needed.