Epomis

Epomis
E. circumscriptus preying upon a tree frog, Hyla savignyi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Licininae
Tribe: Chlaeniini
Genus: Epomis
Bonelli, 1810

Epomis is a genus of beetle. The larvae of this genus are notable for being obligate role reversal predators. Amphibians such as frogs are normally predators of beetles, however Epomis larvae feed exclusively on frogs and other would-be predators. Epomis larvae have been observed to lure predators by making prey-like movements, then evade the predator's attack and disable the predator, often with a bite to the throat or underside, otherwise with a paralysing incision to the back. It is theorised that adult Epomis beetles may also feed on predator species. Scientists speculate that Epomis evolved this behavior as an aggressive evasion tactic in response to predation by amphibians and the success of this tactic led to Epomis becoming an obligate predator itself.[1]

References

  1. ↑ Gil Wizen & Avital Gasith (2011). "An unprecedented role reversal: ground beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) lure amphibians and prey upon them". PLoS ONE 6 (9): e25161. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0025161. PMC 3177849. PMID 21957480.

External links

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