Aggression and risk assessment during predatory interactions between first-instarSinea diadema (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

The behaviors exhibited by first-instarSinea diadema (F.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) during intraspecific interactions are described. Five distinct behaviors were characterized: posturing, striking, stalking, stridulating, and beaking. Distinct bouts of grappling were also noted. Interactions between unfed 2-day-old nymphs, unfed 3-day-old nymphs, and unfed 5-day-old nymphs were recorded and analyzed. The behavior of the nymphs changed with the duration of food deprivation. As the period of food deprivation increased from 2 to 5 days, the frequency of posturing decreased as the frequency of beaking increased. During noncannibalistic interactions, posturing or striking by one nymph was most frequently followed by posturing by the other nymph. In contrast, during cannibalistic interactions, posturing or striking was usually followed by beaking. The incidence of grappling increased with the duration of food deprivation. Moreover, grappling always preceded cannibalism. Although first instars were capable of capturing and killing conspecifics of the same age, cannibalism occurred only after 4 days of food deprivation. These results suggest that a decision-making process is involved. During interactions the nymphs can assess the vulnerability of the opponent. Whereas recently emerged nymphs usually forego the risk of attacking conspecifics, the attacks made by nymphs deprived of food are more persistent despite the danger of predation by their opponent.