ARCHIVES
VOL. 8, ISSUE 10 (2023)
Predatory strategies of malacophagus beetle larvae of Lampyridae on Laevicaulis alte
Authors
Aleena Elizabeth Cyril, Gigi K Joseph
Abstract
Laevicaulis alte
is an exotic slug which has expanded its range over most of Kerala. It is
pestiferous and poses a threat to the native gastropod fauna. Lampyrid larvae
are well-known as predators of gastropods. The present work was conducted from
2019 to 2021 during the monsoon season in the agroecosystems of Elanji in the
Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The lampyrid larva–gastropod interactions
were located in the field by visual search among grasses. The duration of each
interaction and photographic records of each stage of attack and defence were
made. The interaction can be classified into three stages viz., Initial stage,
Subsequent stage and Continuous feeding stage, which lasted for approximately
15, 60 and 240 minutes, respectively. In all instances observed, only a single
larva was found to attack one slug. The lampyrid attack strategies included the
secretion of digestive enzymes to paralyse the slug, attacking the anterior end
of the slug to reduce mucus secretion and frequently removing mucus from their
body using forelegs and pygopodium. The defence strategies of the slug included
moving away from the predator, lifting its anterior end to protect it from the
Lampyrid bite, and secretion of a white viscous mucus to deter the predator.
Download
Pages:7-10
How to cite this article:
Aleena Elizabeth Cyril, Gigi K Joseph "Predatory strategies of malacophagus beetle larvae of Lampyridae on <i>Laevicaulis alte</i>". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 8, Issue 10, 2023, Pages 7-10
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.