[Population dynamics and vertical distribution of Scaptocoris carvalhoi Becker (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) in pastures]

Studies on population dynamics and vertical distribution in the soil of Scaptocoris carvalhoi Becker were carried out in a pasture area in Paraúna, State of Goias, Brazil, from November 2004 to October 2005. One meter-deep holes were excavated in the soil, except on the season of lower precipitation, when 2-meter holes were excavated (June, August and September 2005). On each evaluation, the specimens were collected and grouped according to the depth they were found in the soil profile (0-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 and 81-100 cm). Nymphs occurred during the entire length of the study and were more abundant than adults. Adult population augmented with the increase of rainfall. Nymphs and adults were located in the top layer of the soil during the rainy season and were found deeper in the soil during droughts. However, adults were less tolerant to hydric stress and burrowed deeper into the soil at the beginning of the dry season, while nymphs burrowed deeper only at the end of the season. Results of this study are in accordance to other studies on various species of Scaptocoris, in other regions of Brazil.