Foraging behavior, distribution and predators of Dindymus pulcher Stal (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae), a snail-eating bug from the Philippines

Issue Date

4-2002

Abstract

Dindymus pulcher Stal is a pyrrhocorid bug that frequently preys on two genera of forest snails, Obba and Ryssota. Details of how D. pulcher feeds on snails and snail eggs are provided. Consideration is given to the potential of D. pulcher as a predator of the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck), an amphibious South American ampullariid that has attained pest status in Asia. In laboratory trials, D. pulcher readily fed on golden snails and their eggs. Although D. pulcher avoided contact with water, it readily used bridges made from dead rice-plant stems to cross expanses of water and make predatory forays onto snail-infested rice plants. Inserting the stylet appears to function for D. pulcher not only in food extraction but also as sensory sampling. Even when well fed, D. pulcher continues to inflict damage on snails and especially snail eggs. Provision of land bridges such as rice straws or stubbles can be a manipulative option to allow D. pulcher adapt to irrigated rice fields and effectively prey on young golden apple snails and snail eggs. The distribution range of D. pulcher is restricted to tropical forests in the islands of Bohol and Luzon. Nymphs collected in Palawan may belong to a different species. Two species of Antilochus, also pyrrhocorid bugs, preyed on nymphs and adults of D. pulcher in the field in the provinces of Camarines Sur (Mt. Isarog), Laguna (Mt. Makiling and Siniloan Land Grant) and Quezon National Forest Park). The hyperpredator population was low but one bug can consume 3.00 ± 0.13 female D. pulcher in a tree in 30-45 mins.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

16

Issue

1

Page

53-67

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables; illustrations

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

PYRRHOCORIDAE; HEMIPTERA; SNAILS; FORAGING; PREDATORS; PHILIPPINES

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