Predatory Stink Bugs of Economic Importance as Biological Control Agents

The predatory stink bugs (subfamily Asopinae) are one of the emergent agents for biological control of pest insects in crops. Around the world, many species have been investigated and applied to control different harmful insects, such as caterpillars and beetles. The group comprises more than 300 species, some of which are commercially available, such as Perillus bioculatus F., Podisus maculiventris (Say), and Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). Most species are generalists, feeding on different groups and sizes of insects, including phytophagous stink bugs, such as Nezara viridula (L.). However, some species have specialized feeding habits, which can enhance the effectiveness of predation on certain pests. One of the key features of asopines predation is the production of saliva rich in compounds that are injected into the prey, causing paralysis, death, and initiating the disruption of tissues through extra-oral digestion. Among other characteristics, asopines can be differentiated from phytophagous stink bugs by the wider and robust labium, considered an adaptation for the predatory habit. This chapter aims to present the main species of Asopinae with potential to be used as biological controllers in Brazil, United States and Europe.