The capsid Lygus rugulipennis is an important pest to the UK strawberry industry with just 1 per 40 plants enough to have an economic impact. Damage is caused when the pest feeds on flowers. Fruits that subsequently develop become ‘cat faced’ (referring to their misshapen appearance) and are unmarketable as 1st class fruit.
Conventional control options are becoming limited so alternative strategies are needed. Pheromones are a possible answer. As with other organisms Lygus rugulipennis communicates using different pheromones which elicit specific physical responses in its conspecifics.