Habitat use and maternal care of Phloea subquadrata (Hemiptera: Phloeidae) in the Brasilian Atlantic forest (Espirito Santo)

Abstract

Phloea subquadrata (Hemiptera, Phloeidae) was observed in two natural reserves of the Brazilian Atlantic forest near Linhares (Espirito Santo). This species exhibits maternal care which is also known for the two other species of the family: Phloea corticata and Phloeophana longirostris. They protect the eggs and also the larvae from predation by covering them with their body. Such behavior is known for other species of Hemiptera, but with some variations. The evolutionary significance of phloeid behaviour is discussed with reference to the behaviour of Hemiptera in general.