Major Group: Insecta Order: Hemiptera Family: Leptopodidae Genus: Valleriola This family is represented in Australia by a single genus, Valleriola Distant. |
Descriptive Features: body delicate, elongate to ovoid
head with 4 - 6 cephalic setae
eyes prominent and subpedunculate
2 ocelli present on a raised tubercle
rostrum short and does not extend far beyond prosternum
antennae extremely long and slender
pronotum enlarged, punctate, with an excavated posterior margin that covers the mesonotum
metathoracic scent gland well developed with 2 reservoirs and 2 osteoles
all tarsi 3-segmented
forewing with 2 corial cells and 4 membrane cells
Total length: over 2 mm |
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Valleriola wilsonae |
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Taxonomic Checklist: Species Valleriola tribulosa Polhemus & Polhemus Valleriola wilsonae Drake (1 undescribed species) |
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Distribution: NE Qld, N NT
Sensitivity Rating: none
Functional Feeding Group: predators |
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tributary to Mossman River, Qld |
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Ecology: Instream habitat: Leptopodidae species are semi-aquatic bugs that generally occur on drier areas of vertical rock walls or boulders adjacent to fast flowing streams or on emergent rocks in streams of tropical and subtropical regions. Feeding ecology: Leptopodid bugs are diurnal predators upon other arthropods. Habit: These bugs are strong fliers and so may also be collected in dry habitats away from water. Valleriola wilsonae can run rapidly across rocks. Life history: |
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Information Sources: Cassis & Gross 1995, 1995a, Carver et al 1991, Williams 1980 Key tp species: none |
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