Host plant density and territorial behavior of the seed bug,Neacoryphus bicrucis (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Summary Adults of the seed bug, Neacoryphus bicrucis, are most numerous in large host plant patches and where host plants are most dense within patches. Males patrol small territories composed of host plants and expel other males and unreceptive females. Larger males aggressively exclude smaller males from high quality territories where both host plants and females are most dense. Consequently, large males mate more frequently than small males. Males remain for longer time in areas where host plants are more dense. However, mating experience influences tenure within a host plant patch such that males tend to remain where they have recently mated. Courtship is aggressive and male territorial behavior is similar to courtship behavior. Preference for territories in areas of high host plant density appears to have been selected to increase the rate of encounter with females which preferentially oviposit in areas of high host plant density.