First report of a mermithid nematode infecting Piezodorus guildinii and Acrosternum hilare (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the United States

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are important economic pests of many agricultural crops, and have become one of the most difficult pest complexes to control in field crops, vegetables and fruit trees (McPherson & McPherson 2000). Stink bugs usually attack developing fruiting structures, and direct damage to the fruit is caused by insertion of their stylets to feed on plant fluids. In soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), stink bug feeding can cause delayed maturity and reduce seed quality, yield and germination (Underhill 1934; Chyen et al. 1992).