Preliminary results on the status of Orthops palus (Heteroptera, Miridae), a major pest of mango in Reunion Island

Orthops palus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) was first described in 1947 in Uganda by Taylor. Up to now, except its country of origin, this species was only recorded in Reunion Island. In this island, O. palus attacks mango (Mangifera indicae L.) flowers and is considered as a major pest. However, little knowledge is available on this species, making population management difficult. Our study aims to acquire knowledge on the bioecology of this insect and on its population genetic structure. Insect inventory in mango orchards revealed a complex of Miridae on mango flowers. Investigations allowed us to find O. palus for the first time in several islands of Indian Ocean (Comoros, Mauritius and Mayotte). Sampling revealed the presence of this species on thirty plants, and some of which are host plants (mango, Schinus terebinthifolius). Some results were also obtained on life cycle duration and on egg, larvae and adult morphologies. Further studies are in process, such as implementation of an artificial diet rearing and study of the spatio-temporal dynamics of O. palus during the year. (Texte intégral