Models for the predatory behaviour of some reduviids from Southern India (Insecta-Heteroptera-Reduviidae)

The predatory behaviour of three reduviids, the millipede-feedingHaematorrhophus nigroviolaceus (Reuter) (Ectrichodiinae), the insectivorousPirates affinis Serville (Piratinae) and the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer) (Triatominae), both under natural and laboratory conditions, is discussed. Visual stimuli elicited by the moving prey appear important for the initiation of feeding response. The olfactory stimuli from the defensive secretions of the prey appear to enhance the response and help in the continuation of feeding. In the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata, while feeding responses are elicited only by the temperature gradient around their vertebrate hosts, the visual and olfactory senses play only a minor role. On the basis of observations on feeding behaviour, appropriate predatory behaviour models for the three reduviid species have been constructed

Functional morphology of pylorus and rectal glands in Reduviidae (Insecta-Heteroptera)

Anatomical and histological studies of the alimentary organs of sixteen reduviids, with diverse food habits indicate structural variations. The terminal part of the tubular second midgut of these predaceous insects has a permanent sac-like region with distinct histology, concerned with absorption of digested food. In addition, the digestive system is characterised by a reduced pylorus with pyloric-intestinal and pyloric-rectal valves, surrounded by flask-shaped ampullae of the four malpighian tubules. The ampullary cells with their filamentous apices and with fibrillar cytoplasmic processes are concerned with. water absorption. Commonly in all these terrestrial insects, the anterior end of the rectum also bears a well-developed, inverted cup-like rectal gland, the cells of which also absorb water from the excreta stored in the impermeable, intima lined rectum. Members of Ectrichodiinae show simple ampullary cells and a unique rectum, reported for the first time among reduviids with scattered dome-shaped glandular cells as found in Homoptera and in some phytophagous Heteroptera. The simple nature of the alimentary organs indicates its primitive organization within the reduviid subfamilies

Functional morphology of the salivary system in some Reduviidae (Insecta-Heteroptera)

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