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Field observation of predation on a turtle by a giant water bug
Article first published online: 18 MAY 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-8298.2011.00450.x
© 2011 The Entomological Society of Japan
Additional Information
How to Cite
OHBA, S.-y. (2011), Field observation of predation on a turtle by a giant water bug. Entomological Science, 14: 364–365. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-8298.2011.00450.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 5 JUL 2011
- Article first published online: 18 MAY 2011
- Received 9 November 2010; accepted 04 January 2011.
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Keywords:
- Kirkaldyia deyrolli;
- Lethocerinae;
- predation;
- Reeve's pond turtle;
- reptile;
- rice field
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.