Semiochemical-communication
Guides
Boisea
Boxelder Bugs
Boisea is a small genus of soapberry bugs (family Rhopalidae) with a highly disjunct distribution across North America, India, and Africa. The genus contains at least three recognized species, including the well-known North American boxelder bugs: the eastern Boisea trivittata and western Boisea rubrolineata, plus the African Boisea fulcrata. The patchy, vicariant distribution pattern is considered relictual, suggesting a formerly more extensive continuous range. Members are seed-feeding specialists primarily associated with maple family trees.
Mallodon dasystomus
hardwood stump borer
Mallodon dasystomus is a large prionine longhorned beetle native to the southern United States, ranging through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults measure 35–50 mm in length and possess conspicuously hairy mouthparts that inspired the species epithet (from Greek dasus 'hairy' and stoma 'mouth'). The species is strongly associated with hardwood trees, particularly sycamores, and larvae develop in dead or dying wood. Both sexes use volatile semiochemicals for host location, while females produce a sex pheromone that attracts males.
Zelus renardii
leaf hopper assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus renardii is a medium to large assassin bug native to western North and Central America that has become a successful global invader. The species is diurnal and employs a distinctive predatory strategy using sticky secretions from glandular setae on its forelegs to capture prey, earning it the common name 'sundew assassin bug.' It has been introduced to the Mediterranean basin, Pacific islands, Hawaii, Chile, Argentina, and Easter Island, primarily through human-mediated transport of nursery plants. The species is considered for biological control of agricultural pests but its generalist predatory habits create complex trophic interactions.