First report of litchi stink bug (Tessaratoma javanica Thunberg) outbreak in Bangladesh

Litchi growers reported the infestation of an unknown insect pest recently in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh, which affected litchi production remarkably. A field survey was conducted to identify this invasive insect species, and the biology of this insect was studied under laboratory conditions. Further, damage severity of the insect was determined in the affected litchi orchards. Based on morphological features, the invasive species was identified as litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma javanica (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Female stink bugs laid eggs in clusters (2.0) either upper or lower surface of both mature and young litchi leaves. After egg hatching, nymphs completed five distinct instars before reaching to adults. Longevity of adult litchi stink bug varied on sex types, while females lived longer than males. The level of litchi stink bug infestation varied greatly in the survey areas. The infestation of stink bug did not find in all inflorescence of the attacked plants. Significantly decreased fruits were recorded in the infested inflorescence. This study firstly confirm the invasion of litchi stink bug in Bangladesh, and this information would help scientist to develop IPM strategies against this destructive stink bug species using available resources.