Phytophagous Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) feeding on carrion and feces

Abstract

The phytophagous bug Neomegalotomus parvus (West.) feeds on pods and seeds of legumes. However, by the first time, in a laboratory colony, adults were found feeding on coespecific nymph and adult cadavers. Second instar nymphs, deprived of leguminous seeds, fed exclusively on died nymphs, reached the third instar. In the field, adults of N. parvus were found on animal carrions and feces, apparently feeding. Aggregations of adults were found on dog feces, as well.