x Preface
higher classification of the Pentatomoidea, primarily at the tribal level. Section III (Chapters 3–8) pro-
vides a detailed discussion of each of the six recognized invasive species, including three that recently
have been introduced into the United States [Bagrada hilaris Burmeister, Halyomorpha halys (Stål),
and Megacopta cribraria ( F.)]. Section IV (Chapter 9) deals with potentially invasive species in the
United States and includes only three species, Oebalus insularis (Stål), O. ypsilongriseus (De Geer),
and Arvelius albopunctatus (De Geer). The two species of Oebalus, which are noted pests of rice, are
widely distributed in South and Central America but have been recorded in the United States only from
Florida; potentially, they appear capable of spreading to adjacent states but, thus far, have not done so.
A. albopunctatus apparently prefers wild and cultivated species of Solanaceae. It occurs throughout most
of South America north through Baja California (Mexico) to Arizona, Texas, and Florida; it has not, as
yet, become a pest in the United States. Section V (Chapter 10) discusses the Antestiopsis complex in
Africa and Asia, a taxon noted as a pest of coffee that has not spread further although other pests of cof-
fee are present today wherever coffee is grown. Section VI (Chapters 11–12) discusses diapause and
seasonal cycles of Pentatomoidea. Section VII (Chapter 13) deals with Pentatomoidea as vectors of
plant pathogens and Section VIII (Chapter 14), symbiotic microorganisms associated with this super-
fa m i ly. Section IX (Chapter 15) presents a detailed discussion of the semiochemistry of Pentatomoidea
including pheromones, allomones, and kairomones. And, finally, Section X (Chapter 16) considers
general management practices (both historical and current controls) from a broad perspective.
Serving as editor of this book was a challenging task, and I agreed to do it with some trepidation.
Dealing with numerous contributors from several countries could have proven to be an unpleasant expe-
rience. But, such was not the case. All participants were so cooperative and enthusiastic about their
contributions that my role was both exciting and rewarding. I want to extend my thanks to all of the
contributors and hope that readers of this book will find it beneficial, rewarding, and a great tool for their
own research and teaching and for increasing their own general knowledge of these areas of entomology.
J. E. McPherson
Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.A.