Field observation of predation on a turtle by a giant water bug |
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Authors: | Shin‐ya OHBA |
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Institution: | Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Japan |
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Abstract: | The giant water bug, subfamily Lethocerinae, which has the largest body size among Belostomatidae, is known to be a vertebrate specialist that preys upon fish, amphibians and snakes. However, there have been no reports concerning predation on a turtle by Lethocerinae. Here, I report that a male giant water bug Kirkaldyia (Lethocerus) deyrolli (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) (58.09 mm in total length) was catching hold of a turtle Chinemys reevesii (34.14 mm in carapace length) in a ditch adjoining a paddy rice field. This is a first report of K. deyrolli eating a turtle. |
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Keywords: | Kirkaldyia deyrolli Lethocerinae predation Reeve's pond turtle reptile rice field |
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