Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
Abbreviation: CSB
Cottonseed bug is present in: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean Basin.
Cottonseed bug is pest of the following plants: cotton bolls and other members of the Malvaceae family, particularly Hibiscus spp. and Abelmoschus spp. (okra). The following are potential hosts for cottonseed bug; however, its host range is not limited to this list.
Evidence of cottonseed bug damage includes: damage to the cotton boll. The nymphs feed on the seeds inside the boll causing lighter and less viable seeds, which may appear shrivelled.
In the case of fruits and vegetables, the pest will cause damage by sucking nutrients under the skin of the host (okra displayed above). The affected commodity may develop a corky layer under the skin, while external damage as appears as pinhole spots.
CBP Agriculture Specialists, please refer to manuals for general inspection guidelines. When performing inspections, look for staining on the harvested cotton during processing. The crushed insects will stain the lint pink, which reduces the value of the product.
Stored cotton (with seeds) also can be attacked by the cottonseed bug.
On ripening fruit, the cottonseed bug causes a greasy secretion and pungent smell from the area of feeding.
