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A neuropterous larva uses an allomone to attack termites

Nature volume 289, pages 506–507 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

Larvae of Lomamyia spp. (Neuroptera: Berothidae) have been tentatively associated with several types of prey since they were first identified1. In all cases, the assumed prey lived in a confined habitat–an ant nest or termite gallery2. Lomamyia latipennis Carpenter has been the most thoroughly studied of these unusual Neuroptera. The immature states were described3,4 and the association with termites strengthened using Zootermopsis angusticollis Hagen (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) as prey for a group of larvae4. A low survival rate of the larvae suggested that another termite might be the normal host. We now report field and laboratory findings which demonstrate the predator–prey relationship between L. latipennis and the subterranean termite Reticulitermes hesperus Banks (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and describe their unique method of attacking prey with an aggressive allomone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biological Control, Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720

    J. B. Johnson & K. S. Hagen

Authors
  1. J. B. Johnson
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  2. K. S. Hagen
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Johnson, J., Hagen, K. A neuropterous larva uses an allomone to attack termites. Nature 289, 506–507 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289506a0

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