Predation strategies of Harpactor angulosus (Lepeletier & Serville, 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) on Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835 (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae) in captivity

Abstract

Based on the observation of specimens kept in captivity for 69 days, here we describe in detail for the first time the predatory behavior of an assassin bug Harpactor angulosus (Lepeletier & Serville, 1825) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae), on a stick insect Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835 (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae: Cladomorphinae). The behavior of the generalist predator H. angulosus as well as the evasive reactions of C. phyllinus were detailedly described and illustrated. Because both species occur in the Atlantic Forest biome and were recorded in the same geographic coordinates, in an urbanized green area in the city of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, the ecological relationship here described is also plausible of occurring in nature and opens new venues to be explored. The unprecedented phytophagy of H. angulosus was also recorded.

Keywords

• ecological relationships
• harpactorini
• predatory behavior
• prey behavior