Salivary gland histology of the predator supputius cincticeps (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Feeding behavior can explain how predaceous Pentatomidae use different food sources as a result of ecological and evolutionary changes. This study describes the salivary glands of adults of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to assist in understand the feeding habits of this natural enemy. A pair of principal and accessory glands in the prothorax form the salivary system of S. cincticeps. The principal glands are bilobed with a spherical anterior lobe and are smaller than the posterior lobe, which has a prolonged sack form. The accessory glands are present in a long and tubular form that arises from the terminal portion of the curved accessory duct. The salivary system of S. cincticeps presents the same morphological pattern of other Asopinae predators. © 2013 Entomological Society of America.