Plant influences on predation and oviposition by Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in soybeans

Predation rates were affected by plant species and prey abundance when weed species were presented alone and when soybeans were presented with each weed in a paired free-choice arena. Rates of predation were comparatively low on weeds such as sicklepod, crotalaria, and Florida beggarweed. Interactions between soybeans and certain weed plants appeared to alter overall predation rates in free-choice arenas, resulting in reduced rates of attack on prey on soybeans. Oviposition rates were influenced by plant species but not by prey abundance. Soybeans appeared to be a highly suitable plant oviposition site.