Feeding Specialization in Predatory Insects: Hunting and Attack Behavior of Two Stinkbug Species (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

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Abstract
Two species of predatory stinkbugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) that reproduce in stands of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) near Ithaca, New York [USA], were observed as they hunted for and attacked prey on goldenrods. One species, Perillus circumcinctus, is a specialist predator of chrysomelid beetles while the other species, Podisus maculiventris, is a generalist predator which feeds on many kinds of prey. Nymphs of both species mature in goldenrod stands by feeding upon beetles of the genus Trirhabda (Chrysomelidae). Nymphs of both predators used similar tactics (e.g., searching velocities, sites searched) when hunting on goldenrods. Although nymphs of P. circumcinctus took much less time to subdue Trirhabda larvae than nymphs of P. maculiventris, nymphs of both species generally succeeded ultimately in overcoming these prey. Nymphs of both species failed in most attacks on Trirhabda adults and other potential prey which inhabit goldenrod stands. More effective exploitation of Trirhabda beetles by the specialist predator compared to the generalist derives primarily from differences in their timing of reproduction rather than from differences in hunting and attack behavior.