trophic level one species interaction in (predator) which derives energy from the consumption of individuals of another species (prey).
Predation
A predator is considered an ________ species that generally consumes more than one prey individual to complete its development.
entomophagous
A highly specialized prey range, the predator may feed on one or a
very limited number of species within the same genera.
Monophagy (mono- “one”)
A semi-restricted prey range of a predator. For example, aphidophagous predators feed primarily on aphids preys, or, genera of coccinellids feed primarily on whiteflies or scales
Oligophagy: (oligo- “few or little”)
A broad prey range, may include plant materials (fluids, nectars, pollen), insects and fungi, a generalist predator.
Polyphagy (poly- “many”)
chewing mouthparts
Biting
Sucking mouthparts
.Piercing
The predatory bug, Podisus maculiventris, searches bean plants without using cues, but do not search areas repeatedly once a prey was found.
Random Searching
Supposing a certain capacity of orientation to objects in the microhabitat. Movement may be guided by features of the environment that increase chances for encountering prey.
Directed searching
Use of visual cues and other stimuli to orient to
prey at a distance.
Active searching
Waiting for prey to approach within a striking distance then with their raptorial legs (praying mantids) they clasp their preys.
Ambushing:
Neuropterans prepare conical pits in loose sand, larvae wait at the bottom with large sickle shaped jaws.
Trapping
Lightning bugs, flashing of one species to attract males of another. Females then consume males. (“Femme fatale”)
Attracting
Coleoptera , Dermaptera
Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera,
Mantodea, Neuroptera ,
Orthoptera, Thysanoptera
The major groups of predaceous
insects belong to the following
orders:
