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Abstract
In this study we describe trophobiosis between ants and Eurystethus microlobatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) at a highland quartzite rocky outcrop in southern Espinhaço Range, southeastern Brazil. We found stinkbugs exclusively on the mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae). The stinkbug species is gregarious, forming dense clusters, with females guarding eggs and young nymphs. In addition, this species presents cryptic colouration and most individuals were located on roots and shoots, camouflaged within the bark. Eurystethus microlobatus produced honeydew by day and night, and four ant species attended aggregations: Camponotus rufipes, Camponotus crassus, Camponotus melanoticus and Cephalotes pusillus. Camponotus rufipes was the most frequent and aggressive, and the only species to attend the stinkbugs by day and night. This is the first documented case of trophobiosis between true bugs and ants in the New World.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to G. W. Fernandes for kindly allowing us to work on his proprieties; to G. Sossai and F. I. Garcia for helping in the field work; and to H. Paprocki and E. Gama for their comments on the manuscript. This study was supported by a doctoral fellowship from CAPES to T.J.G., and a research grant from Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp Grant no. 07/59444-4) to T.J.G.. Some of the field equipment used was donated by the IdeaWild Organization.