Dichelops (Diceraeus) melacanthus (Dallas, 1851)

Panizzi, Antônio Ricardo & Grazia, Jocélia, 2001, Stink Bugs (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) And An Unique Host Plant In The Brazilian Subtropics, Iheringia, Série Zoologia 90, pp. 21-35 : 32

Dichelops (Diceraeus) melacanthus .

This neotropical species, very close to D. (D.) furcatus (Fabricius, 1775) was captured on very few occasions, and no nymphs or eggs were found on privet. Like other species, it is probably an occasional visitor of this tree. Adults brownish-green dorsally and green ventrally. Females 12.5 mm (n = 10) long, and males 11.0 mm (n = 10). Early instars brown and later instars brownish-green.

Dichelops melacanthus

is reported to occur on soybean in Brazil ( CORSO, 1984). ÁVILA & PANIZZI (1995) reported an unusual massive attack of D. melacanthus on seedling corn in the western State of Mato Grosso do Sul and in Paraná. The bugs feed on stems, causing yellowing of leaves and seedling death. It may also attack wheat plants. These attacks on corn and wheat occur in areas under no-tillage because adults, which feed on soybean, stay on the ground beneath crop residues after harvest and will feed on the following crop.