Field Evaluation of Predation on Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) Using a Species- and Stage-Specific Monoclonal Antibody

Whole-body macerates of field-collected insects were examined to identify qualitatively hemipteran predators of Lygus hesperus Knight eggs and adult females using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A L. hesperus species- and egg-specific monoclonal antibody (MAB) was used to detect the presence of L. hesperus egg antigen in these predators. The majority of the polyphagous predators assayed did not have L. hesperus egg antigen in their systems, indicating that they had not preyed on L. hesperus eggs or adult (gravid) females. Additionally, we tested the sensitivity of this MAB and the ELISA assay to L. hesperus eggs of variable ages in the laboratory. Younger eggs were more responsive to the MAB than older eggs.