Egg-guarding
Guides
Acanthosomatidae
Shield Bugs
Acanthosomatidae is a family of shield bugs within Pentatomoidea comprising approximately 200 species in 55 genera across three subfamilies (Acanthosomatinae, Blaudusinae, Ditomotarsinae). The family is notable for its distinctive reproductive biology, with females exhibiting either maternal care (egg-nymph guarding) or egg smearing using secretions from Pendergrast's organs. Maternal care has evolved independently at least three times within the subfamily Acanthosomatinae and is correlated with reduction or loss of Pendergrast's organs, suggesting an evolutionary trade-off between these strategies.
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaOzyptila praticola
Eurasian Leaflitter Crab Spider
A small crab spider native to Eurasia that has been introduced to North and South America. Females reach 4 mm and males 3 mm. Adults are active year-round and females guard egg sacs in sheltered microhabitats.
Tibellus maritimus
Maritime Running Crab Spider
Tibellus maritimus is a species of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its slender body and vertical striped pattern that provides effective camouflage on grasses and foliage. The species is notable within its genus for lacking the two dark dorsal spots on the abdomen that distinguish related species such as T. oblongus and T. asiaticus. It is the only Tibellus species in the Canadian portion of its range without these spots. The spider hunts by ambush, lying flattened on vegetation to capture prey.