Coreids of the genus Leptoglossus Guerin (Coreinae) comprise a large group of phytophagous insects that are characterized by dilated posterior tibiae in the form of a leaf --the so-called leaf-footed bugs.
Information on the food plant preferences of coreids is of central importance for pest management and for the establishment of phylogenetic relationships (Schaefer and Mitchell, 1983).
In our literature review, few studies were found quantifying the oviposition site preference by tachinid parasites on stink bugs (e.g., Beard [1940] in the coreid bug Anasa tristis (De Geer) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and Eger [1981] in the pentatomids Brochymena spp.
Studies on insecticidal potentials of extracts of Gmelina arborea products for control of field pests of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp: The pod borer, Maruca vitrata and the coreid bug, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Journal of Plant Protection Research 43(1):1-7.
The coreid bug Chelinidea vittiger was liberated on Santa Cruz Island (California) in 1945 for control of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), but failed to establish; however, at least one of four releases on the same island in 1961-1964 was successful (Goeden 1977).
In contrast, research on the biological control of stink bugs attacking cowpea is scarce, and studies on parasitism on coreid eggs need to be developed.
This coreid is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, and has recently been introduced to central Florida (Baranowski & Slater 1986).