Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Bean pod sucking bug (018)

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Photo 1. Riptortus nymphs. Note that the nymphs are ant mimics - they have evolved to appear as ants - presumably this makes potential predators cautious about attacking them.

Photo 2. Riptortus adults and nymphs.

Photo 3. Adult Riptorus pod-sucking bug.

Photo 4. Riptortus adult feeding on the seeds of long bean.

Photo 5. Bean pods shrivel and die when attacked by Riptortus, and losses can be high.

Photo 6. Fruit of Bixa, the lipstick tree. Observations on Malaita, Solomon Islands, suggest that Riptortus is attracted to the seeds of this shrub. If proven, it could be used as a companion plant.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On many kinds of beans. An important pest.
• Eggs are laid singly on leaves; the ant-like nymphs hatch, moulting to 16-18 mm long dark brown adults.
• Nymphs and adults use long, needle-like, mouth parts to suck juices from seeds causing pods to turn brown, shrivel and die.
• Cultural control: do not plant next to older crops where bugs are present; plant Bixa nearby as a trap crop; handpick in early mornings; collect and burn remains of the crop after harvest.
• Chemical control: sprays PDPs: derris, pyrethrum or chilli; synthetic pyrethoids or malathion.

Common Name

Pod sucking bug

Scientific Name

Riptortus species; there are two species, Riptortus serripes and Riptortus linearis.

This mini fact sheet is a part of the app Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

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