To bean, or not to bean: Arthropod communities associated with faba beans (Vicia faba ) in the Mid-Atlantic region

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a cold-hardy legume that has been proposed as a winter crop in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. However, little is known about its associated arthropod communities in this region, making it essential to assess interactions among pollinators, beneficial insects, and pests to determine the viability of this crop. A mix of passive sampling techniques (pane traps and sticky traps), and active methods (visual scouting and drop cloth), were used to document arthropod communities associated with faba beans fields during 2024 and 2025. Among pollinators, the genera Bombus and Xylocopa (Hymenoptera: Apidae) have been the most frequent visitors to faba bean flowers. Beneficial arthropods found at faba bean fields included lady beetles Coleomegilla maculata, Coccinella septempunctata, and Hippodamia convergens, as well as spiders and ants. Pest species found on faba beans included the southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris, Hemiptera: Miridae). Halyomorpha halys, Murgantia histrionica, Nezara viridula, and Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were observed during pod maturity. Stink bugs pose economic risks by feeding on nodes and pods, potentially reducing yield. Cosmetic injury from their feeding may also substantially impact marketable yield, due to seed blemishes. Few arthropod species (15) at low densities were recorded in Virginia faba beans. Further research is needed to determine pest control for the potential threats. Identifying these communities will help Mid-Atlantic growers assess faba beans' viability in yearly rotations.