Life Cycle and Morphometric Analysis of Yellow Assassin Bug Cosmolestes Pecticeps Stal (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Feed on Elaeidobius Kamerunicus Faust (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Elaeidobius kamerunicus is an important insect in oil palm ecosystems, as it is the primary pollinator of oil palm flowers. Oil palm is an economically important crop, and its cultivation requires the successful pollination of its flowers to ensure high yields. Without the pollination services of insects such as E. kamerunicus, oil palm production would be significantly reduced. Additionally, E. kamerunicus is known as a food source for the yellow assassin bug Cosmolestes pecticeps. Understanding the interactions between E. kamerunicus and predators such as the yellow assassin bug is crucial for the sustainable management of oil palm ecosystems. This study aims to provide preliminary data on the yellow assassin bug’s life cycle and feeding habits, focusing on its prey, E. kamerunicus, and morphometric analysis. We found that E. kamerunicus is a common prey of the yellow assassin bug, and its feeding habits significantly impact the ecology of its inhabited areas. Our study provides valuable insights which could be useful for future research in the field. Understanding the interactions between the yellow assassin bug and E. kamerunicus in oil palm ecosystems is important to manage and maintain their ecological balance effectively in supporting sustainable agriculture.