Foraging Behavior and Food of Adult Spongila-Flies (Neuroptera: Sisyridae)

Abstract

Field observations show that the sisyrids, Climacia areolaris (Hagen) and Sisyra vicaria Walker, are nocturnal scavengers foraging for a variety of plant and arthropod materials. The gut contents of S. vicaria often include plant mites, but this is not true for C. areolaris . Conversely, although both sisyrids ingest numerous types of pollen grains, the crops of C. areolaris often contain relatively more pollen. Sisyrids will attack and consume live aphid nymphs and adults. However, on occasion, aphid nymphs successfully defend themselves from sisyrids, probably by secreting a distasteful or rapidly congealing substance from the cornicles.