Mouth characteristicsMost of predatory insects develop features to kill efficiently their prey. The assassin bug, the antlion larvae and the water scorpion are all exemples of venimous insects and present really similar mouth characteristics, called rostrum.
Piercing and sucking insect's rostrum can be distinguished as two categories: Proboscis: One of the key feature of the Hemiptera order. The proboscis is a modification of maxillae and mandibles, protected by a labium. With this transformed appendicle, predatory bugs can pierce cuticles of their preys and suck their organs. Stylet: The mosquito's rostrum differs from other predatory insects. The stylet act as in the same way as the proboscis, excepting the fact that the labium does not pierce the skin like the labium of the proboscis does. |
Venom |
Predatory insects often inject their preys with venom which can liquefy organs in order for the predator to suck them out. The venom actually contains lots of digestive enzymes, which are effectively killing the prey. As an example a bite by the assassin bug can kill a cockroach in approximately four seconds after a bite and a big caterpillar in ten seconds. This is due to the quick propagation and effectiveness of the insect's enzymes. The venoms are highly insecticidal. Toxic enzymes such as phospholypase A2 have been categorized in predatory insects venom.
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Saliva |
For insects there are four different salivary glands, but the most effective one against the prey is the mandible glands. Other salivary glands are maxillary, labial and Hypopharyngeal glands. Even if salivary glands are all present in hemiptera order, there is important variations among different insects. Salivas of predatory's insects are being studied because of their special properties. Some of these insect's salivas are proved to be beneficial, affecting and killing humans pathogenic gram positive and negative bacterias. However, while their are not directly carrying a venom, most of the salivas of the insects can transmit terrible and harmful diseases for humans.
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