Page Intro: Podisus maculiventris, also called the spined soldier bug, is used for the prevention, control, and management of varied pests. The content on this page is not yet complete. Additional information may be added to this page and it becomes available and as time permits. On this page you will find a description, life-cycle info, benefits, drawbacks, scouting info, advisories, usages, and other good stuff such as ordering.
Description
I have always been opposed to referring to any of the commercially available biocontrol agents as “general predators,” but if any insect qualifies, it would be the spined soldier bug. This predator will readily consume a large number of tree and field pests. The pests, without offering specifics at this time, range from caterpillars to the eggs and larval form of several pests. P. maculiventris are sometimes shipped as eggs or nymphs. [Intro]
Life-style
Slow growing: I believe they have up to two generations per year in the south and only one in the north. They begin feeding on pests at their second instar of development. During the first instar I believe the suck on plant juices but cause no plant damage just like Orius insidiosus (now ranked second as a so-called omni-predator). [Intro]
Benefits
They are not as picky as some predators so I guess that could be a benefit. I’m not really sure if there are any other pronounced benefits to using this predator. [Intro]
Drawbacks
Well, they are costly. Supply has been shaky at times. I also suspect they they will thin their numbers rapidly, which would be typical of a large-bodied predator — they need their space. I think all of these may be drawbacks, without trying to sound negative. I like this bug; it has potential. [Intro]
Scouting
The thing to look for would be the remains of soft-bodied insects. The spined soldier bug is a true bug. It feeds through a sharp, narrow proboscis. It therefore leaves a cadaver behind. Another thing to look for is the soldier bugs themselves. They’re up a half inch long and can be easily seen, if you can spot them. These guys will try to hide from your line of sight. [Intro]
Advisories
Use them cautiously and with due reservation. They are known predators, but in the commercial sense, at least to me, they are fairly new and their efficacy is still to be determined. It is possible that they could bite you so bring a whip and a chair when you scout for them. [Intro]
Usages
Garden, orchard, street trees, nursery, field or farm. I guess they could be used in a greenhouse if they were needed there, but that would be unusual, probably some research project or something. [Intro]
Rates, Instructions, and Purchase
Need more information? Check out our release rates or our short-term storage, handling, and release instructions. You may also purchase P. maculiventris. [Intro]
