Trophic Egg Production in a Subsocial Shield Bug, Parastrachia japonensis Scott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae), and its Functional Value

摘要: Females of the gregarious shield bug, Parastrachia japonensis Scott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae) engage in extensive parental care behaviors that include egg and nymph guarding progressive provisioning drupes solitary host tree, Schoepfia jasminodora (Olacaceae: Rosidae: Santales). We noted some eggs every mass failed to turn pink develop eye-spots indicative developing embryos, suggesting they are infertile, therefore non-viable. also observed newly hatched nymphs probing, presumably feeding, on remains. In present report, through field observations experiments involving removal these non-viable laboratory, we demonstrate their presence is correlated with significant increases nymphal weight, developmental rate survival absence other food. Thus, conclude an additional manifestation P. females use increase reproductive success production trophic eggs. Some physical traits functional role this system discussed context our current theoretical understanding extended care.