Low temperature tolerance and thermal mortality of kudzu bug Megacopta cribraria (Plataspidae)

Author

Mitchell Lee Adkins

Date

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Leigh Boardman

Committee Member

Duane McKenna

Committee Member

Emerson Bowers

Abstract

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), is an invasive species from Asia first discovered in the United States in 2009 in Georgia and in 2012 in Tennessee. The primary research goals of this project are to: (1) measure cold tolerance of the kudzu bug in a western Tennessee population and (2) assess mortality of the species at both the lower and upper lethal limits. Cold tolerance assays performed included critical thermal minimum (CTmin), chill coma recovery time (CCRT), and supercooling point (SCP). In conjunction with cold tolerance metrics, body water and body lipid content were assayed to better understand changes in body composition of the kudzu bug. Upper and lower lethal limits were determined to provide insights into the mortality of kudzu bugs at both extremes. The information collected in this project will enhance the understanding of cold tolerance mechanisms and seasonal shifts in cold tolerance for invasive insects.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

PDF

Notes

Embargoed until 04-29-2027

Recommended Citation

Adkins, Mitchell Lee, "Low temperature tolerance and thermal mortality of kudzu bug Megacopta cribraria (Plataspidae)" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3763.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/3763