Hemiptera (Heteroptera/Homoptera) as prey of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) with unpublished records

Abstract

Of the approximately 58,000 plus prey records in the Asilidae Predator-Prey Database, 9.1% are Hemiptera (3.5% Heteroptera and 5.6% Homoptera). Forty six of the 133 recognized worldwide Hemiptera families are preyed upon with generally more prey records for female than male robber flies. Potential explanations for robber flies, in particular females, preying upon Hemiptera are discussed. Numbers of Hemiptera prey are examined based on their associated families, genera and species. Hemiptera prey are also discussed in relation to robber fly subfamilies and genera. New records of Hemiptera prey are presented and compared with prey records in the Database.