Potential Host Range Expansion of Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Hemiptera: Miridae): First Record on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in India

Abstract

Background: Tea mosquito bugs (Helopeltis spp.) are economically important polyphagous pests with a wide host range, causing significant damage to several plantation and horticultural crops in India. The continuous expansion of their host range highlights their adaptability and emerging threat to new agroecosystems, including legume crops. Aims: This study aims to document the occurrence of the tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis theivora on cowpea and to characterize its feeding damage in a newly recorded host. Study Design: Field-based observational study with laboratory confirmation. Place and Duration of Study: Vegetable fields of Kerala Agricultural University, India; conducted during routine field surveillance from December 2025 to January 2026 Methodology: Random sampling was carried out in cowpea-growing plots to record the incidence and infestation rate of H. theivora. Infested plants were examined for the presence of nymphs and adults, and feeding symptoms were documented. Specimens were collected and subjected to morphological and taxonomic identification under laboratory conditions for species confirmation. The extent of infestation was assessed based on the proportion of affected plants, and characteristic feeding damage symptoms were recorded and described. Results: Both nymphs and adults of H. theivora were observed feeding on tender cowpea foliage. A high infestation level of 82% was recorded in the study area. Initial feeding symptoms appeared as small whitish spots, which progressively developed into brown, angular necrotic lesions, leading to a reduction in photosynthetic area. This study constitutes the first recorded incidence of H. theivora on cowpea. Conclusion: The potential host expansion of H. theivora to cowpea indicates an emerging threat to pulse-based cropping systems. Such adaptation may lead to significant yield losses if left unmanaged. This warrants intensive pest monitoring, surveillance, along with the formulation of effective pest management strategies.