How do giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) subdue larger prey using their rostrum?
Answer
Injecting a toxic saliva
The Belostomatidae family, commonly known as giant water bugs, are iconic aquatic predators whose evolution is geared toward maximizing predatory efficiency. A key component of this efficiency is their specialized feeding apparatus. After grasping prey, which can range from small invertebrates up to frogs and small fish using their powerful raptorial forelegs, they subdue the victim by injecting a toxic saliva through their rostrum. This specialized adaptation allows them to handle and consume prey significantly larger than what smaller aquatic insects can manage.
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