Harmful Orthops species (Heteroptera: Miridae) occurring on Heracleum sosnowskyi
Heracleum sosnowskyi (Ombelliferae, EPPO list of invasive alien plants) originates from the Caucasus and is thought to have the potential to be as invasive as Heracleum manteggazianum (Ombelliferae, EPPO list of invasive alien plants), although the later is more widespread in Europe. H. sosnowskyi produces up to 40 000 fruits per plant and its large leaves shade lower vegetation, having a negative impact on biodiversity. As chemical control of this plant is very difficult, biological control has been explored in Poland. Research showed the occurrence of Heteropteran fauna on H. sosnowskyi, and in particular of 3 species of Orthops (Heteroptera: Miridae): O. campestris (accounting for 48.57% of the total number of Miridae), O. kalmi (44.91%) and O. basalis (2.04%). Imagos and larvae of these plant bugs can cause feeding damage to H. sosnowsky, and by sucking sap from buds and then fruits, they can help to reduce fruit germinability.
Sources
Wrzesińska D, Wawrzyniak (2005) Harmful Heteroptera of Orthops genus (Miridae, Heteroptera) occurring on Sosnowski’s Hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) in Poland. Journal of Plant Protection Research, 45 (2), 107-114.