HAYATI Journal of Biosciences
Vol. 33 No. 4 (2026): July 2026

Visual and Olfactory Cues with Nectar Accessibility: Drivers of Floral Selection in Sycanus annulicornis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Wildan Muhlison (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural, Universitas Jember. Jl. Kalimantan 37, Tegalboto, Jember 68121, East Java, Indonesia)
Zulfa Maulida (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural, Universitas Jember. Jl. Kalimantan 37, Tegalboto, Jember 68121, East Java, Indonesia)
Irwanto Sucipto (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural, Universitas Jember. Jl. Kalimantan 37, Tegalboto, Jember 68121, East Java, Indonesia)
Hari Purnomo (Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural, Universitas Jember. Jl. Kalimantan 37, Tegalboto, Jember 68121, East Java, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 May 2026

Abstract

Sycanus annulicornis (assassin bug) is a potential predator of agricultural pests in soybean, rice, vegetable, and plantation crops. However, habitat degradation has reduced its population and effectiveness as a biological control agent. This study aimed to evaluate the floral selection of S. annulicornis based on visual and olfactory cues, as well as nectar accessibility. Behavior observations were conducted using choice and non-choice tests to assess visitation rates to different flower colors and plant species. The results showed a broad color preference, with the highest visitation rates to white (2.00 ± 0.82) and yellow (1.75 ± 0.63) flowers. In non-choice tests, the highest visitation percentages were recorded on Tagetes erecta (82%), Turnera subulata (80%), Turnera ulmifolia (73%), and Wedelia trilobata (67%). In choice tests, T. subulata was the most attractive plant, followed by T. ulmifolia, T. erecta, and W. trilobata. Floral morphological compatibility, particularly nectar accessibility, supported the utilization of supplementary food resources by S. annulicornis. These findings suggest that selecting appropriate flowering plants can be an effective conservation strategy to enhance the sustainability of S. annulicornis populations in agroecosystems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hayati

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences

Description

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences (HAYATI J Biosci) publishes articles and short communication in tropical bioscience fields such as development, biotechnology, biodiversity and environmental issues. HAYATI J Biosci covers wide range of all life forms topics including virus, microbes, fungi, plants, ...