Proboscidea and Dicyphini: An example of spontaneous mutualism by a population of predatory bugs inhabiting a sticky plant

A population of the mirid-bug Dicyphus errans (Miridae) a species occurring in Europe, colonized group Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica subsp. fragrans (Martyniaceae)) native to USA and cultivated garden Germany. More than 20 individuals these predatory bugs have been found living moving freely on sticky plants, feeding stuck victims, while ants (Lasius spp. (Hymenoptera)) trying place aphids for “sugar farming” became captured together with their “productive livestock”, as do small flies bees. The observations this spontaneous mutualism between American mosquito-like European has recorded video (Hartmeyer 2022). This constitutes an additional example adaptation ubiquitous feed prey plants that would usually capture small-sized insects. Frank Obregon (2017), who mirid-bugs his Roridula (Roridulaceae) California, called phenomenon assisted carnivory, which fits quite nicely. Proboscidea well not produce digestive enzymes, so they cannot benefit directly from diverse prey. But soon colonize sticking prey, droppings provide suitable fertilizer be absorbed by stomata leaf. perfect mutualism. In addition, some historic facts bug-plant interaction are provided.