What does the sorrel bug feed on? - briefly
The sorrel bug feeds mainly on the leaves and stems of sorrel and related Rumex species, extracting plant sap. It may also consume other herbaceous members of the Polygonaceae family.
What does the sorrel bug feed on? - in detail
The sorrel bug, a member of the family Lygaeidae, possesses piercing‑sucking mouthparts adapted for extracting plant fluids. Adults and nymphs exploit the same resources, each individual inserting its proboscis into vascular tissue to obtain nutrients.
Primary food sources are species of the genus Rumex, commonly known as sorrel. The insect targets:
- leaves, especially the tender margins where epidermal cells are thin;
- stems near the node, where phloem flow is concentrated;
- flower buds, which provide a rich supply of sugars during reproductive development.
Feeding on these parts results in characteristic stippling, chlorosis, and occasional wilting of affected tissues. The bug’s saliva contains enzymes that disrupt cellular integrity, facilitating fluid uptake.
Beyond sorrel, the bug may exploit related Polygonaceae such as «Polygonum aviculare» and «Dock» species when sorrel is scarce. Occasional records indicate opportunistic feeding on non‑Polygonaceae herbs, though such instances are limited and typically occur during periods of host plant scarcity.
Seasonal dynamics influence diet composition. In early spring, emerging nymphs concentrate on young sorrel foliage, while later generations expand to mature leaves and reproductive structures. Autumnal populations shift toward seed heads, extracting nutrients from developing embryos.
Ecologically, the sorrel bug functions as both a herbivore and a potential vector for plant pathogens. Its feeding activity can reduce photosynthetic capacity, lower seed production, and create entry points for fungal infections, thereby affecting the vigor of host stands.